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Designing for Excellence: Our Inspiring and Innovative Work with Princeton University’s Renowned Form Finding Lab

Princeton University

Collaborating with one of the world’s most renowned universities is a privilege

That brings immense responsibility and excitement. When Upsense Studio was approached by the Form Finding Lab at Princeton University to redesign their website, we knew we were embarking on a journey that would require not just creativity, but also a deep understanding of their pioneering work in structural mechanics and design.

This project was more than a website redesign; it was about crafting a digital identity that could match the lab’s global reputation and cutting-edge research. Here, we share our experience, the challenges we embraced, and the satisfaction of delivering a solution that exceeded expectations.

Understanding the Vision

From the outset, it was clear that this project was not just about aesthetics. The Form Finding Lab, led by the brilliant Professor Sigrid M. Adriaenssens, focuses on the mechanics and design of slender large-span shells, membranes, and elastic rod networks. Their work blends engineering precision with artistic creativity to drive innovation in sustainability and resilience.

In our initial discussions, we were inspired by their passion for design and their vision for a website that would:

  • Reflect the duality of art and engineering in their work.
  • Engage a diverse audience including graduate students, funding agencies, and collaborators.
  • Showcase their research in a way that is visually appealing, dynamic, and intuitive.

It was evident that this project would require a balance between sophisticated design and technical functionality.

Our Approach: Collaborative and Purpose-Driven

At Upsense Studio, we believe that collaboration is the cornerstone of great design. Working closely with Professor Adriaenssens and her team, we immersed ourselves in their world to understand their goals, challenges, and aspirations.

1. Research and Ideation

We began with extensive research, analyzing academic websites, exploring modern UX trends, and delving into the Form Finding Lab’s publications and projects. This phase allowed us to map out the content structure, define the visual language, and identify key design elements that would resonate with their audience.

 

2. Design Thinking

Our design approach revolved around three core principles:

  • Clarity: Present complex information in a way that is accessible and engaging.
  • Creativity: Reflect the lab’s innovative spirit through dynamic visuals and unique layouts.
  • Consistency: Ensure a cohesive identity across all digital and physical touchpoints.

For example, we chose a dark, gallery-like theme with vibrant green highlights to evoke sophistication and innovation. Dynamic elements, such as rotating visuals and interactive menus, were incorporated to bring the content to life.

3. Building a Digital Identity

Beyond the website, we worked on creating a visual brand that extended to The logo, typography, and color palette were carefully crafted to embody the lab’s identity, ensuring a seamless experience across platforms.

Challenges and Solutions

No project is without its challenges, and this was no exception. One of the key hurdles was organizing the vast amount of research data and publications into an intuitive and visually appealing format. To address this, we:

  • Created a horizontal research layout with static visuals on one side and text on the other, making it easy for users to digest information.
  • Designed the navigation menu to provide direct access to key sections, such as Research, Teaching, and Media, without overwhelming the user.

Another challenge was maintaining a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The client wanted a website that was not just beautiful but also easy to update and maintain. By integrating a content management system (CMS), we ensured that the lab could effortlessly add new projects, publications, and blog posts.

Client Satisfaction: The Ultimate Reward

The launch of the website was met with enthusiastic approval from Professor Adriaenssens and her team. Their feedback highlighted how well the design captured the essence of their work and how intuitive it was for users to navigate.

Here’s what they had to say: “Working with uPsense Studio was an absolute pleasure! They strike the perfect balance between creative design flair and truly listening to their clients’ needs. I was blown away by how quickly they turned my requests into beautiful, functional website features. Highly recommend!
“

Such words of appreciation reaffirm our belief in the power of thoughtful design and collaborative effort.

Reflections: What We Learned

Working with Princeton University’s Form Finding Lab was not just a milestone for Upsense Studio; it was a learning experience that pushed us to innovate and grow. It reminded us of the importance of:

  • Listening: Truly understanding a client’s needs and vision is the foundation of a successful project.
  • Empathy: Designing with the end-user in mind ensures a functional and impactful result.
  • Creativity: Every challenge is an opportunity to think outside the box and deliver something extraordinary.

Conclusion: A Partnership of Excellence


This project was a testament to the magic that happens when creative minds collaborate with intellectual pioneers. At Upsense Studio, we are proud to have played a part in enhancing the Form Finding Lab’s digital presence and helping them share their groundbreaking work with the world.

As we move forward, we carry with us the lessons, memories, and satisfaction of working with one of the world’s leading institutions. This project was more than just design—it was a celebration of the intersection of art, engineering, and innovation.

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