The Challenge

Creating a digital platform that captures the excitement of direct access to MIT expertise while serving students spanning continents, cultures, and age groups demanded thoughtful design that balances sophistication with approachability. The platform needed to handle complex backend functionality—managing video content, coordinating submissions from 90+ schools, tracking question status, and protecting student data under international privacy regulations—all while presenting a friendly, inspiring interface that encourages young people to ask bold questions. The co-branded experience had to feel authentically MIT while remaining accessible to students who might be intimidated by such a prestigious institution.

Our Approach

We built the platform in Webflow, creating a streamlined single landing page experience that puts students at the center of the action. The design strategy embraced a "landing page style" that consolidates all essential elements—video player, question submission forms, promotional materials, schedules, and navigation—into one cohesive, scroll-friendly experience optimized for how students actually browse.

Custom iconography and original illustrations became crucial elements in making the interface feel welcoming and student-friendly. These visual assets extended the co-branded identity while adding playful energy that signals "this is for you" rather than "this is institutional." The illustrations help guide students through the submission process, making what could feel formal instead feel like an exciting opportunity to connect with real MIT experts.

The CMS architecture manages impressive technical complexity invisibly. Behind the engaging student interface, the system powers a submission form that dynamically displays all 90+ participating schools, routes questions through Webflow, and manages the growing video library of expert responses.

GDPR compliance was non-negotiable given the international student audience. Every data collection point—from question submissions to school identification—implements robust privacy protections meeting European standards applicable across the global network, ensuring student information remains protected regardless of which country they're learning in.

Technical Highlights

• Complete web design and development in Webflow optimized for student engagement
• Single landing page design consolidating videos, submission forms, schedules, and promotional content
• Custom iconography and original illustrations creating friendly, approachable brand experience
• Sophisticated CMS architecture managing 90+ schools in submission form dropdown
• Co-branded design seamlessly integrating Nord Anglia and MIT visual identities
• GDPR-compliant data handling protecting student information across international jurisdictions
• Multiple content type management (videos, promotional assets, schedules, form inputs) in unified interface
• Image optimization ensuring fast performance for students on varying connection speeds worldwide
• Responsive design optimized for how students access content (mobile, tablet, desktop)
• Project management and ongoing troubleshooting support

The Result

An inspiring, easy-to-use platform that empowers students worldwide to engage directly with MIT expertise, transforming curiosity into connection. Students effortlessly navigate the video library, submit questions about topics that fascinate them, and see their peers' questions answered by actual MIT experts—all within an interface that feels designed specifically for young learners rather than adapted from adult platforms. The GDPR-compliant infrastructure operates invisibly, protecting student data while internal integrations streamline workflows for the MIT team coordinating this ambitious initiative. The co-branded design honors both institutions while maintaining the accessibility and enthusiasm essential to inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and curious thinkers. What appears to students as a simple, exciting portal to MIT is actually a sophisticated platform managing complex international programming, proving that the best educational technology disappears into pure inspiration.