Project Context
Ideal-ist is a key enabler of international collaboration in the ICT domain under Horizon Europe. Their website acts as a strategic tool to connect research organizations, companies, and funding bodies across 65+ countries. Given the global audience and growing content needs, Ideal-ist required a full redesign and redevelopment of their online platform to reflect modern usability standards, ensure multilingual support, and integrate tools that support partner search, proposal quality, and resource access.
Objectives
- Redesign the portal to align with Horizon Europe’s modern digital identity
- Improve user experience and navigation for key user groups (SMEs, researchers, NCPs)
- Migrate and re-structure large volumes of legacy content
- Implement a scalable CMS architecture for multilingual, modular content
- Integrate advanced features like the Topic Tree and Partner Search Tool
- Ensure compliance with EU accessibility and GDPR standards
Our Solution
1. UX & UI Redesign
We started with a user-centric design process, focusing on clarity, usability, and information architecture. Wireframes and design mockups were validated with key stakeholders to reflect Ideal-ist’s institutional tone while improving access to services.
Key UI/UX Elements:
- Simplified navigation with a mega-menu structure
- Role-specific entry points: “For Applicants”, “For NCPs”, “For Partners”
- Mobile-first responsive layout
- Clear call-to-actions for partner search and proposal support
🔹 2. Drupal 9 CMS Implementation
We built the platform on Drupal 9, leveraging its modular content capabilities and multilingual support.
Custom content types:
- Calls & Topics
- Partner Profiles
- Events & Webinars
- Resources & Documents
- Success Stories
- FAQs and News
Custom views were created for filtering and dynamic presentation across services, with tailored dashboards for logged-in users.
🔹 3. Advanced Features Integration
- Topic Tree Tool: Interactive tree visualizing open, closed, and upcoming calls (custom JS + API integration)
- Partner Search Tool: Custom-built Drupal module with advanced filters and profile matchmaking
- Pre-Proposal Check Form: Guided submission form with dynamic logic
- Newsletter and Mailchimp Integration: Automated subscriber management
- Multilingual Setup: Seamless content delivery in English, with potential for expansion
🔹 4. Performance & Security
- Full HTTPS implementation
- CDN integration (Cloudflare) for global content delivery
- Performance optimization via advanced caching & lazy loading
- Regular security patches and automated backup setup
- GDPR cookie management and data processing notices
📈 Results & Impact
✅ +45% Increase in user engagement after launch
✅ Reduced bounce rate by 32% via improved navigation and mobile responsiveness
✅ Content management streamlined – non-technical users now easily manage content through the CMS
✅ Partner Search Tool now used by hundreds of applicants during Horizon Europe calls
✅ Global accessibility ensured for users across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas
📌 Conclusion
The redesigned Ideal-ist.eu platform developed by Webee empowers thousands of ICT professionals and researchers to collaborate effectively under Horizon Europe. Our focus on scalability, usability, and performance has turned the website into a strategic asset for the Ideal-ist network – strengthening its position as a global facilitator in digital innovation.