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Overview

Nuffield Japan is the official chapter of the Nuffield Farming Scholarship—an international program with over 70 years of history that empowers selected agricultural leaders to travel the world and explore cutting-edge agricultural practices. Each year, about 80 scholars globally are awarded a two-year journey across six continents, during which they research, network, and contribute to the growth of sustainable agriculture.

Role

I was responsible for developing the entire website for Nuffield Japan based on a pre-approved UI/UX design. My key responsibilities included:

• Converted XD design into a custom WordPress theme with clean, semantic, and scalable code.

• Developed page templates for Home, About, Scholar Program, Application, Report Archive, Contact, and more.

• Built a fully responsive layout optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile viewing.

• Implemented smooth scrolling, fade-in animations, and intuitive transitions to support narrative flow.

• Created a structured backend using Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) for flexible, non-technical content management.

• Optimized performance through lazy loading, code minification, and media compression.

• Applied SEO best practices with proper meta tags, heading structures, and schema-ready HTML.

• Offered post-launch training and documentation to help the internal team maintain and update the site independently.

Key Features Delivered

• Custom WordPress Theme
  Lightweight, fast-loading theme built to reflect the professionalism and vision of the Nuffield program in Japan.
• Responsive Design
  Carefully crafted layout that performs seamlessly across devices, ensuring accessibility for scholars and stakeholders alike.
• Flexible CMS with ACF
  Empowered the client to easily update scholar information, event news, and program reports without writing code.
• Scholar Report Archive
  Developed a structured and filterable archive for past research reports, increasing transparency and knowledge sharing.
• Global Network, Local Voice
  Balanced international program identity with localized Japanese content and cultural tone for domestic visitors.
• Optimized for Performance & SEO
  Focused on page speed, structured content, and mobile-first design—resulting in stronger organic reach.
• Application Flow Clarity
  Designed an intuitive application section that guides potential candidates through eligibility and application steps, reducing confusion and increasing submissions.

Result & Impact

The redesigned website significantly improved Nuffield Japan’s online visibility and engagement, with noticeable increases in both page views and time-on-site. By clearly presenting each scholar’s journey and research, the new site fostered greater trust and transparency in the program. The streamlined structure and intuitive application flow also led to a rise in inquiries from potential candidates. Combined with professional branding, real photography, and structured data, the website strengthened Nuffield Japan’s authority as a credible and forward-thinking organization. Additionally, the custom backend enabled the internal team to confidently manage and update content without relying on external developers—ensuring long-term sustainability.