Design System for the Human Nature Lab Research Hub by Yale
To amplify the digital authority of Yale’s groundbreaking research, Dexa redesigned the Human Nature Lab website by developing a custom Design System applied with Drupal CMS.
The project integrated a comprehensive content audit, a restructured information architecture, and full componentization. The result is a clearer, responsive, and accessible platform built to showcase the lab’s scientific output with excellence.
CONTEXT
Turning an academic website into an exciting experience
CHALLENGE
The Human Nature Lab portal no longer reflected the lab’s evolution, nor did it offer the clarity needed to present research in an accessible way. The legacy CMS faced critical limitations in security, performance, and SEO indexing. Our challenge was to modernize the user experience while preserving the academic depth of the content.
Architecture and usability
Content organization hindered the quick discovery of studies and resources. The lack of submenus resulted in fragmented user journeys, particularly for those seeking specific research topics.
Technical limitations
The legacy CMS presented critical gaps in security, performance, media handling, and the overall findability of academic content.
Perception of innovation
The static nature of the homepage failed to convey the lab’s high-frequency scientific output, creating a disconnect between the site’s appearance and the group’s real-world impact.
UX, academic portal design system, and Drupal CMS
To address the project’s challenges, Dexa implemented a multidisciplinary approach encompassing UX, information architecture, design, and Drupal engineering. Our process integrated a deep dive into existing content, a complete overhaul of navigation flows, and a visual reconstruction powered by a custom Design System for academic portals.
A digital experience matching the prestige of Yale’s global research
The Human Nature Lab redesign resulted in an academic portal that is modern, accessible, and fully aligned with the lab’s scientific significance. Through a modular Design System and a robust Drupal backend, Dexa provided a seamless, accessible, and high-performance platform. The lab now has a professional ecosystem that effectively showcases its scientific impact to a global audience.
Yale Human Nature Lab
As a cornerstone of the Yale Institute for Network Science, the Human Nature Lab is a global benchmark for studies in social networks and human behavior. Under the leadership of Nicholas A. Christakis, the lab operates at the cutting edge of social science, biology, and public health, producing groundbreaking research with a profound impact across diverse global disciplines.
