Research deserves more than a generic website. It needs a digital home that explains complex ideas clearly, meets rigorous academic standards, and works for diverse audiences – from fellow researchers and funders to students, policymakers, and the wider public. At Andrew Burdett Design, we specialise in creating websites for research projects that do exactly that.
Over the years, we’ve worked closely with universities and research teams across the UK and Europe, including Manchester Metropolitan University, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Lincoln, and Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa. These collaborations have shaped our approach and cemented our reputation as experts in research-focused web design.
Understanding Research First, Design Second
Every successful research website starts with understanding. Research projects are often multi-year, multi-partner initiatives with specific goals, audiences, and reporting requirements. We take time to understand the aims of the project, the methodologies involved, and the outcomes that matter most.
Whether the site needs to host publications, datasets, case studies, blogs, or event information, we design structures that make content easy to find and easy to understand. For academic audiences, clarity and credibility are paramount; for public audiences, accessibility and storytelling are key. Our job is to balance both.
Experience with Leading Universities
Our work with institutions such as Manchester Metropolitan University and Sheffield Hallam University has involved supporting research that sits at the intersection of academia and real-world impact. These projects often require websites that can evolve over time – starting with project introductions and partner profiles, then growing to include findings, toolkits, and long-term legacies.
At the University of Lincoln, we’ve helped research teams present their work in ways that are visually engaging while remaining academically robust. Clear navigation, thoughtful typography, and well-structured content help ensure that research outputs are taken seriously and shared widely.
Internationally, our collaboration with universities such as Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has reinforced the importance of cultural sensitivity and multilingual considerations in research communication. Designing for an international audience means thinking carefully about language, tone, and usability across different contexts.
Designed for Funding, Impact, and Longevity
Research websites often play a critical role in funding applications and reporting. Funders increasingly expect projects to demonstrate visibility, engagement, and impact. We design sites that support these goals, with clear explanations of research questions, methods, and outcomes, alongside spaces for news, updates, and dissemination.
Just as importantly, we build websites with longevity in mind. Research doesn’t stop when a grant ends, and a well-designed site should continue to serve as an archive and reference point for years to come. We focus on flexible content management systems, scalable structures, and clean, maintainable design.
Accessibility and Ethics at the Core
Universities and research bodies have a responsibility to make knowledge accessible. Accessibility is not an afterthought in our process; it’s built in from the start. We design and develop websites that align with accessibility best practice, helping ensure research can be accessed by as many people as possible.
This is especially important for publicly funded research, where transparency and inclusivity are essential. From colour contrast and readable typography to clear language and logical page structures, every decision is made with users in mind.
A Collaborative Approach
Research projects are collaborative by nature, and our design process reflects that. We work closely with principal investigators, research assistants, communications teams, and external partners. This collaborative approach ensures that the final website accurately represents the project and meets institutional requirements.
We’re comfortable translating academic language into engaging digital experiences without oversimplifying or misrepresenting the research. The result is a website that researchers are proud to share and audiences are keen to explore.
Trusted Partners in Research Communication
From Manchester to Sheffield, Lincoln to Lisbon, Andrew Burdett Design has become a trusted partner for universities looking to communicate research effectively online. Our experience in the research sector means we understand the pressures, the processes, and the potential of academic projects.
If you’re planning a new research project or looking to improve an existing website, we’d love to help create a digital platform that does justice to your work – clear, credible, and built to last.
Call us on 01629 732148 to discuss your next research project website
