Designed and implemented a new website for El Carmen Nature Reserve—one of North America’s most biodiverse areas and among the world’s five greatest wilderness ecosystems—highlighting 25 years of wildlife conservation success.
Challenge
Design a website from scratch to communicate the reserve’s mission, showcase 25 years of conservation achievements, and engage both key stakeholders and the broader public.
Solution
Drawing from interviews and benchmarking research, I developed a visual identity and design system that reflect the reserve’s ecological richness and values. The website now serves as an informative platform for stakeholders and researchers, while also acting as a digital showcase of the reserve’s legacy.
Role
Research & Benchmarking, UX/UI Design, CMS Specialist
Timeline
December 2023 – March 2024
Building from the ground up and crafting a unique design system that truly resonates with the reserve
With only a logo to start from and no established brand or design system, I was responsible for building the website’s visual identity and structure from the ground up. I began by conducting in-depth interviews with the reserve’s manager to understand the core mission, values, and long-term vision. This qualitative research was essential in aligning the design with the reserve’s purpose: to protect, restore, and celebrate biodiversity on a massive scale.
To complement this, I benchmarked digital platforms from national parks, ecological reserves, and conservation groups. I studied content hierarchy, interaction patterns, and visual storytelling techniques to identify best practices and uncover opportunities for differentiation. These insights shaped the tone, structure, and priorities of the site—ensuring the experience would resonate with both scientific and public audiences.
Finally, we created a journey that unlocks the mysteries and marvels of the unique ecosystem thriving within the reserve.
Based on this foundational research, we defined a clear vision for the website: to showcase 25 years of conservation work and invite users into the unique world of El Carmen. Since the reserve isn’t open to the public, the digital experience had to serve as a virtual journey—capturing the wonder of its ecosystems and the depth of its environmental achievements.
A central feature of the experience is the Species Hub—an interactive section that allows users to explore the region’s flora and fauna. This component was designed to foster curiosity and immersion, reflecting the richness of the landscape while maintaining an accessible and intuitive user experience. The final design system balances scientific credibility with emotional storytelling, creating a platform that educates, inspires, and engages a wide range of users.
Due to the confidential nature of this work, I’m unable to share many details at this time. However, if you’re interested in exploring the design and seeing the final outcome of the project, I invite you to visit elcarmenreserve.com.
Carolina Nolazco 