The Kaçar Lab

the Kaçar lab at uw-madison

Understanding the origin of life on earth and beyond

Leah Rainey
Bailey Knudsen
Kika Tuff
Brand Strategy
Logo Design
Content Strategy & Development
Creative Direction and Production
Custom illustrations
Web Design & Build
Copywriting

Dr. Betül Kaçar’s Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studies the evolution of early life on Earth. Their research has revealed billion-year-old cellular innovations that make our modern ecosystems possible. The goal of their research is to understand ancient innovations to find solutions to modern and future environmental challenges.

We have collaborated with Dr. Kaçar on a variety of branding and website projects, including those of her two NASA-funded research centers, Muse and Life. When she approached us about designing a brand and website for her lab group, we were beyond thrilled for the opportunity!

For this project, we wanted to celebrate the research and innovation powerhouse that IS Dr. Betül Kaçar and her amazing research team. We wanted the brand to feel playful, inspiring, and recognizably Betül (complete with an illustration cameo on the site). Our goal was to create a compelling and memorable digital experience that captures the overwhelming sense of curiousity and adventure this group brings to their work. We hope you love the results!

The brand

intergalactic,

curiosity-driven,

adventurous

The Kaçar Lab is a group of astrobiologists, evolutionary biologists, microbiologists, and bioengineers. They are committed to understanding life at the planetary scale and rebuilding extinct biochemistries. The goal of their work is to build new insight into the history and future of life in the universe.

To reflect their values, we designed a brand for the Kaçar Lab that is bold, playful, and exploration-driven. The color palette draws from the deep purples and blacks of space, with a soothing monochromatic feel. Custom illustrations bring pops of color and storytelling, with astronauts floating in and out across website sections.

The brand and website are designed to inspired awe and appreciation for the vastness of space and the power of the discoveries awaiting this research group.