Creating a scalable WordPress framework to unify Harvard D^3's lab websites while balancing autonomy and brand consistency.

Lead Designer & Site Ecosystem Strategist
Duration: 5+ months (Ongoing)
Tools: WordPress Multisite, Siteimprove, GA4, Figma, WP101, Distributor Plugin

D^3 Labs Web Platform Ecosystem

Problem

Lab websites were fragmented—built with different systems, inconsistent branding, and varied usability. Maintenance was difficult, content was disconnected, and teams lacked support.

I was tasked with solving three core problems:

  • Align labs with the Institute’s brand while preserving their unique identities

  • Streamline technical infrastructure and training

  • Introduce scalable, user-friendly features for research teams

Information Architecture proposed for Labs

Solution

I developed a child theme of the Institute’s WordPress system with shared blocks, consistent structure, and flexible customization options. The new system includes:

  • Modular team and publication templates

  • Integrated event calendars

  • Distributor plugin for cross-posting to the main site

  • Custom training, documentation, and CMS onboarding

Design Highlights

Visual Consistency + Customization:
Labs choose color accents and logos, but typography, layout, and component behavior remain standardized for brand cohesion.

Smart Components:
I built reusable blocks for:

  • Team directories (pulling from Institute profiles)

  • Publication archives (sortable, filterable, SEO-optimized)

  • Event calendars synced with the main site

  • Lab-specific news/blogs

Content Distribution:
Lab posts can be syndicated to the Institute homepage via the Distributor plugin—boosting lab visibility while preserving canonical URLs.

Platform & Process

  • WordPress Multisite architecture

  • GA4 properties for each lab + Institute-wide analytics

  • Siteimprove for accessibility, SEO, and quality checks

  • WP101 plugin and custom guides for lab training

  • A 5-week rollout plan with support, migration, and QA phases

Impact

  • 10+ labs ready for rollout using the new system

  • 50% reduction in development and support time per site

  • Increased collaboration between labs and Institute content teams

  • Improved accessibility, SEO, and CMS adoption across the network

What’s Next

  • Launch 2 labs/month with full onboarding support

  • Expand component library for lab-specific use cases

  • Roll out shared content workflows with comms + editorial team

  • Introduce visual dashboards for lab-level analytics reporting