A family prepares a meal together in a modern kitchen, featured on the UC Davis Innovation Institute for Food and Health website homepage.

Two groups of people engage in discussions in modern indoor settings, illustrating fellowship opportunities for MBA students.

A website redesign to make food science more palatable to the target market

UC Davis’ Innovation Institute for Food and Health connects world-class research with the food industry to create healthier products.

Their complex organization has many target audiences, including investors and Chief Science Officers.
They needed a UX-driven website that laid out their mission, programs, and partnerships.
After their colleague at Cornucopian Capital recommended e9digital, we were hired for the job.

Client

UC Davis

Industry

Education & Institutional

Services

Web Design & Development

Enhancing visitor experience with clear messaging and intuitive design

Visitors, from CSOs to emerging scholars, needed to quickly find their place on the UC Davis site, so our goal was to simplify complex information into clear messaging. Our designers used UX best practices to build an intuitive flow, highlighting their research with a prominent CTA and color-coded service areas for easy navigation. To further guide users, especially those less familiar with modern web patterns, we added visual cues like a downward arrow.

A website section highlights research in food and health, featuring headers on innovation and a photo of a female scientist in a lab coat labeled "Talent Development.

Coming full circle connecting visuals with logo, mission, and network

We created a visual theme that felt both clean and meaningful to their audience:

Circular motifs connect the institute’s logo, mission, and global network.
UX-focused layouts and graphics distill complex information into clear, digestible messaging.
Venture capitalists and other partners can quickly grasp the institute’s capabilities.

UC Davis Innovation Institute for Food and Health webpage showing their vision: "To make the food we love healthier for all people and the planet," with images of diverse individuals.

Flowchart showing core technologies and disciplines—such as proteomics, genomics, and clinical trials—used by UC Davis experts to study food, health, and environmental impacts.

Three people in lab coats work together in a laboratory setting with scientific equipment and food samples on the table.

Our website redesign caused a ~40% increase in clicks

The end result was a flexible website that helps them showcase research, attract talent, and share their impact, driving an ~40% increase in clicks. It also serves as a powerful sales tool, helping them communicate their value and secure future funding.

At e9digital, we design with the audience in mind and empower clients to update their sites easily. Contact us today to learn how we can create impactful, strategic messaging for your organization.