{"id":663,"date":"2026-09-10T16:41:28","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T21:41:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/?p=663"},"modified":"2026-09-14T13:57:59","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T18:57:59","slug":"precision-polymers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/precision-polymers\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating a brand identity and website for the Precision Polymer Group."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-custom-content-position is-position-bottom-center\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-bottom:0;min-height:720px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1313\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-500 size-full\" alt=\"The UW-Madison Precision Polymer Lab icon design that shows a P with a line wrapping through it.\" src=\"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/precision-polymers-uw-madison-homepage-graphic.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/precision-polymers-uw-madison-homepage-graphic.jpg 2500w, https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/precision-polymers-uw-madison-homepage-graphic-600x315.jpg 600w, https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/precision-polymers-uw-madison-homepage-graphic-1600x840.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/precision-polymers-uw-madison-homepage-graphic-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/precision-polymers-uw-madison-homepage-graphic-1536x807.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/precision-polymers-uw-madison-homepage-graphic-2048x1076.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(0,0,0,0.15) 0%,rgb(0,0,0) 100%)\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1808c9ec wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><h1 style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-post-title\">Creating a brand identity and website for the Precision Polymer Group.<\/h1>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-uw-text-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44a69aa2d65462dfc467077427721e48 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">After attending a new faculty workshop, Assistant Professor Dylan Barber partnered with the Research Impact and Outreach team to create a digital home for the <a href=\"https:\/\/precisionpolymers.engr.wisc.edu\/\">Precision Polymer Group<\/a>. As a newly established lab, the group needed a website that could communicate its research, attract collaborators, and support future growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-uw-text-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2b471c7dc5aa20e813bbcc5c17b7ef03 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Through a collaborative process, we developed a visual identity rooted in the UW\u2013Madison brand that reflects the lab&#8217;s innovative work while establishing a distinct presence. The result is a flexible brand and website that can evolve alongside the group&#8217;s research program, growing partnerships, and expanding impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-default\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Our goals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Leverage the UW\u2013Madison brand to build instant recognition and credibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establish a unique identity for the Precision Polymer Group within the broader university ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Design a flexible digital foundation that can evolve as research priorities grow and change.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Highlight research strengths and opportunities for collaboration through clear, engaging content.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Position the lab for long-term visibility, recruitment, and partnership development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-contrast-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f877d7b4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"min-height:260px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-22bdcdb0 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center is-style-default has-2-x-large-font-size\">The challenge<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro wp-block-paragraph\">Design a lab website that leverages the UW\u2013Madison brand while maintaining its own individual identity so that, as the research develops, the website can engage audiences at every level, from student hires to industry partnerships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-contrast-light-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7c8a4719 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);min-height:480px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-contrast-light-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center is-style-default\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">Our approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"595\" src=\"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/PPG-Website_Homepage-2.png\" alt=\"Precision Polymer Group website homepage shown on a laptop\" class=\"wp-image-614\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/PPG-Website_Homepage-2.png 800w, https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/PPG-Website_Homepage-2-600x446.png 600w, https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/PPG-Website_Homepage-2-768x571.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Co-branding strategy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:0\">Using a co-branding approach, we designed the Precision Polymer Group website to balance the strength and recognition of UW\u2013Madison with the unique identity of an emerging research lab. Built within the UW\u2013Madison web framework and aligned with university brand standards, the site benefits from the trust, accessibility, and consistency associated with the university while creating space for the group to establish its own voice and research-focused presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"595\" src=\"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/PPG_Research.png\" alt=\"Precision Polymer Group website research page shown on a laptop\" class=\"wp-image-613\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/PPG_Research.png 800w, https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/PPG_Research-600x446.png 600w, https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/PPG_Research-768x571.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Translating research for multiple audiences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:0\">Working closely with Assistant Professor Dylan Barber, we developed a content strategy that makes complex polymer science accessible without sacrificing scientific accuracy. Rather than presenting research solely through technical descriptions, the website organizes content around real-world challenges and outcomes, helping prospective students, collaborators, funders, and industry partners understand both the science and its broader significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"595\" src=\"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2026\/08\/PPG_Website_AudAni-2.gif\" alt=\"decorative\" class=\"wp-image-625\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">Audience-centered navigation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:0\">To support diverse audiences, we developed a content structure centered on three simple questions: <strong>Who We Are<\/strong>, <strong>What We Do<\/strong>, and <strong>Why It Matters<\/strong>. This framework helps visitors quickly find relevant information and creates clear pathways for prospective students, academic collaborators, funding organizations, and industry partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Built for more<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:0\">The WiscWeb 2.0 platform made it easy for our team to design a flexible website that can grow alongside the lab. Streamlined navigation, adaptable content areas, and scalable information architecture make it easy for the Precision Polymer Group to showcase new research initiatives, publications, team members, and partnership opportunities as the group evolves.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-contrast-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"min-height:260px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-22bdcdb0 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center is-style-default has-2-x-large-font-size\">The impact<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Through a co-branding approach,<\/strong> the Precision Polymer Group website draws on the strength and recognition of the UW\u2013Madison brand while establishing a distinct identity for the lab. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-intro wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The site creates clear pathways <\/strong>for students, collaborators, funders, and industry partners to learn about the group&#8217;s research and opportunities for engagement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-intro wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Designed to grow alongside the lab,<\/strong> it provides a flexible foundation for communicating discoveries, supporting recruitment, and fostering new research partnerships.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"min-height:260px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center is-style-default\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">The results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center is-style-intro wp-block-paragraph\">A professional, <strong>co-branded web presence<\/strong> that reflects both UW\u2013Madison&#8217;s College of Engineering strength and the lab&#8217;s unique research identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center is-style-intro wp-block-paragraph\">Through <strong>close collaboration <\/strong>between researcher and communicator, complex science was transformed into clear, engaging content that helps students, collaborators, funders, and industry partners connect with the lab&#8217;s work. This foundation positions the group for continued growth, visibility, and impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-parallax\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);min-height:291px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><div role=\"img\" aria-label=\"decorative\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-71 size-full has-parallax\" style=\"background-position:50% 50%;background-image:url(https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/93\/2025\/12\/website-bg-5.png)\"><\/div><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-899b2081 wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color has-2-x-large-font-size wp-elements-568aef20b1e4574742d9401a60e25953\">Like what you see?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center is-style-intro wp-block-paragraph\">Let us help you bring your research to life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-b4b75a54 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-white\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/?page_id=105\"><strong>\u2190<\/strong> See more work<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-right is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-dff6cd6e wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-white\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/?page_id=245\">Book a consultation <strong>\u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dylan Barber partnered with the Research Impact and Outreach team to create a digital home for the Precision Polymer Group. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":500,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uw_seo_meta_title":"","_uw_seo_meta_description":"","_uw_seo_twitter_card_type":"summary_large_image","_uw_seo_meta_image":"","_uw_seo_meta_image_url":"","_uw_seo_meta_image_sizes":[],"_uw_seo_custom_meta_tags":[],"uw_external_link":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[3,4],"class_list":["post-663","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-branding","tag-website"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/663","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=663"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/663\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":799,"href":"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/663\/revisions\/799"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=663"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=663"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rio.engr.wisc.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=663"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}