2023 Research Infrastructure Workshop

2023 Research Infrastructure Workshop

June 27-30, 2023 • Washington, DC

THE IMPACT

The 2023 Research Infrastructure Workshop successfully fostered collaboration and critical dialogue among NSF-funded projects, aligning national infrastructure priorities with operational best practices to advance scientific research.

Key outcomes included:

377 total attendees (215 in-person, 162 virtual), reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year
Six focused content tracks supporting diverse attendee interests
78% rise in mid-scale project participation
Representation from 70% of major facilities nationwide
Over 90% of attendees used the event app, driving strong engagement across sessions and poster presentations
80%+ of surveyed attendees recommended the workshop, with many earning PDUs through professional development tracks

This solution-focused approach ensured all deliverables were cohesive, accessible, and aligned with NSF’s mission, maximizing impact for both in-person and virtual participants.

THE SOLUTION

To meet project goals for this large-scale hybrid event, high-impact assets were delivered to create a cohesive, accessible, and professional attendee experience aligned with NSF’s brand standards.

Key deliverables included:

Event brand identity & style guide: Visual standards, typography, and color palette
Branded toolkit: Templates and design systems for presentations, posters, and digital materials
Presentation templates: Custom slides for speakers and session tracks
Event signage: Large-format designs for venue branding and navigation
Digital platform graphics: Assets for registration sites, event app, and livestream overlays
Branded email communications: Outreach and informational campaigns for attendees
Workshop app design: Enhanced attendee experience with clear agendas, session info, and networking tools
AV production support: Designed overlays and presentation visuals for live session execution

The Challenge

The 2023 Research Infrastructure Workshop required seamless integration of physical and virtual experiences to engage a diverse national audience while maintaining NSF brand standards. The project demanded strategic design execution, branding, and event logistics to support cross-project collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Key challenges included:

Complex hybrid execution: Required designs and logistics to support both in-person and virtual attendees
Diverse content tracks: Needed clear visual organization to guide attendees through six focused tracks
High-volume deliverables: Tight production timelines for toolkit development and asset approvals
Brand consistency: Visual identity had to align with NSF standards while creating a distinct, event-specific brand
Stakeholder alignment: Required coordination across multiple NSF divisions to deliver cohesive messaging and materials

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The 2023 NSF Research Infrastructure Workshop was held June 27–30, 2023, in Washington, DC. This annual hybrid workshop brought together researchers, administrators, and stakeholders from NSF Research Infrastructure Projects nationwide to foster collaboration, resource sharing, and alignment around advancing U.S. research capabilities.

As Creative Director and Senior UX/UI Designer, responsibilities included:

Visual branding and creative direction for the workshop’s cohesive identity
Development of a branded toolkit for use across all event materials
Design of digital assets, presentation templates, and event signage
Management of registration workflows and attendee communications to ensure a seamless participant experience
On-site coordination, live session execution, and AV production support for dynamic hybrid engagement
Collaboration with NSF stakeholders to align content and visuals with organizational priorities

All deliverables were cohesive, professional, and aligned with NSF’s mission to advance national research infrastructure.