Project Overview

Modernizing the Neurorights Foundation's Digital Presence
 

The Neurorights Foundation (NRF) works to protect human rights as neurotechnology grows. As its global reach expanded, the Foundation needed a website that was easier to use, up to date, and simple to manage. The new site needed to reflect its mission and support future growth.

The Foundation grew out of the Neurorights Initiative (NRI), launched at Columbia University by Dr. Rafael Yuste. The goal was to create ethical guidelines for neurotechnology.

For this project, I worked closely with the executive director to continue a redesign that another designer had started. They created the initial visual direction but were not able to finish the project. I led the remaining work, including refining the design, improving mobile and accessibility features, creating infographics, and making updates based on feedback.

Role

Developer
IA
Social Media
UX Designer
UX Writing

Team

Co-designer
Executive Director
Board of Directors

Deliverables

Responsive Website Design & Development
Social Media
Visual mocks

Homepage: Before vs. After

The original homepage (left) featured dense text, a weak visual hierarchy, and a mix of unrelated content, all wrapped in an outdated design. The new homepage (right) introduces clear navigation, updated typography, modern layout, and improved accessibility features. All designed to guide users quickly to the Foundation’s mission, publications, and donation options.

Problem statement

How might we help users more easily understand, navigate, and engage with the Neurorights Foundation’s work?

The original NRF website presented several barriers:

• Outdated visual design and user experience

• Limited accessibility

• Difficult content updates, requiring technical support for even small changes

• Disconnected sections for research, team bios, and publications

• Information was written in an academic style, making it hard for the general public to understand and navigate

These issues made it hard for the public, partners, policymakers, and potential donors to engage with NRF's work.

Mission & Impact: Before vs. After

The original Mission page tried to cover too much. It combined the Foundation’s values, timeline, and global influence into a single, overwhelming page that lacked focus. In the redesign, we split the content into two connected pages: Mission and Impact, with Impact as a subpage. This separation makes the information easier to digest while keeping the narrative flow intact. Clearer layout, improved typography, and purposeful use of space guide users through the Foundation’s story in a more engaging and accessible way.

Mission Statement

The original mission statement (left) featured vaugue text, and competed with a busy background image that . The new mission statement (right) has clearer language and is easily read with the high contrast text on a white background..

Timeline

The original timeline (left) lacked dates and was hard to scan. The new version (right) is interactive, animated, and easy to read—with a vertical layout that works smoothly on mobile.

Neurorights

The original layout for the five neurorights (left) wasn't very cohesive and was difficult to scan. The new layout (right) makes it easier to understand each right and is more scannable.

Approach

Simplifying Complexity with Clear UX

Our goal was to make the NRF website more modern, inclusive, and manageable. Key updates included:

• CMS integration: The research, publications, and team pages are now powered by a content management system (CMS), so staff can easily update bios, add reports, and publish new findings.
• Impact timeline: We introduced a visual timeline on the Impact page to show NRF's progress over time. This helps users quickly understand the organization's history and influence.
  Accessibility and usability: The new site follows best practices for readability, color contrast, keyboard navigation, and mobile responsiveness.
• Improved information architecture: Pages were restructured to support scanning and user flow, making it easier to find key information like "The Five NeuroRights" and recent publications.
  Visual design: We updated the site with a clean, modern design that reflects the organization's credibility and forward-thinking mission.
• Donation support: A clearer and more prominent donation page was added to support the Foundation’s sustainability and encourage individual contributions.

Donations 

Just a few weeks after launch, the Neurorights Foundation has secured over $200 in new recurring monthly donations.

Results

A Website That Works for Everyone

The updated site positions the Neurorights Foundation as a leader in the conversation around ethics and brain technology. Now, visitors can:

• Explore key research and publications with ease
• Understand the organization's mission at a glance
• Access a clear timeline of progress
• Navigate a faster, mobile-friendly experience
• Support the Foundation’s mission through a more accessible donation flow
• Stay updated through regularly refreshed content

Within four weeks of launch, the new site generated $115 in recurring monthly donations, an early sign of progress toward NRF’s long-term sustainability goals.

By modernizing their site and putting control in the hands of the NRF team, we’ve helped support their mission to protect mental privacy, identity, and agency in a rapidly evolving technological world.

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