PRE-1960s
1960s-70s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
NC STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH TIMELINE
UX/UI Design, Graphic Design, & Print Design / 2024
For over 120 years, NC State University has led groundbreaking research that impacts industries in North Carolina and beyond. From advancements in agriculture and food science to innovations in textiles and electrical engineering, the researchers at NC State have shaped the future. This interactive timeline showcases key moments, pioneering individuals, and transformative inventions that have defined NC State’s research legacy—alongside the infrastructure investments that made them possible.
Prototyping & Visual Strategy
Working closely with the marketing director and writer, I helped establish the timeline’s structure, identifying major research achievements spanning multiple decades. To visually define each era, I developed a dynamic header graphic featuring a standout research moment from each decade. The timeline was organized into key periods—pre-1960s, 1960s-70s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s—each featuring carefully selected events with engaging thumbnail images.
For imagery, I explored NC State’s archives to source historically relevant visuals. Given the limited availability of historical visuals, I adopted a collage approach by blending multiple archival elements to create compelling representations of key moments. The color palette, inspired by NC State’s brand identity, incorporated layered shades of teal and red to maintain visual consistency. To ensure accessibility and clarity, I refined the contrast and expanded the palette to enhance the distinction between timeline events and improving the overall user experience.
Web Development & Interactive Features
I collaborated closely with a web developer to enhance the functionality and usability of the research timeline website by adding key features and refining minor details. Our goal was to ensure a seamless user experience while maintaining the integrity of the design and content. We integrated key features to improve navigation, accessibility, and interactivity while maintaining the design’s integrity across desktop and mobile platforms.
Feature 1: Clickable Thumbnails
Each time period is represented by a thumbnail on the top of the page, allowing users to jump directly to their desired section for an intuitive browsing experience. These thumbnails provide an intuitive and visual navigation experience.
Feature 2: Scrolling Highlights & Hover Effects
As users scroll through the timeline, the active event is visually highlighted for clarity. Additionally, hovering over an event's thumbnail triggers a zoom-in effect to offer a closer look and emphasize the selected event.
Feature 3: Side Navigation Menu
On the right side of the timeline, a series of colored circular buttons allow users to navigate between different sections quickly. These visual markers provide an intuitive way to jump to specific time periods to improve accessibility and ease of use.
PEER PUSH MAIL DESIGN
To complement the digital timeline, I designed a print piece for NC State’s Research Week, distributed at in-person events and shared with both internal and external audiences. While maintaining consistency with the website’s design elements, the print version was adapted for readability and impact in a physical format. By aligning both print and digital experiences, the project reinforced NC State’s research legacy in a compelling and accessible way. The print mail piece won a Silver award at the 40th annual EduAD Awards in the Direct Mail category.
