Eastern Standard recently created a promotional website for a New York Times best-selling book authored by some of the greatest astrophysicists of our time.
Commissioned by publisher Princeton University Press, the microsite provides visitors with an immersive introduction to Welcome to the Universe: An Astrophysical Tour, penned by Neil deGrasse Tyson — host of National Geographic Channel's Cosmos — Michael A. Strauss, and J. Richard Gott.
This site has garnered several industry accolades, including a 2017 People’s Voice Webby Award in the category of Advertising, Media, & PR - Best Use of Animation or Motion Graphics. In addition, it was named an official Webby Award Honoree in the Advertising, Media, & PR - Products & Services category. Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, the leading organization honoring excellence on the Internet.
Visitors are led through a tour of the cosmos by sampling some of the most mysterious questions and concepts presented in the book in three categories: Stars, Planets, and Life; Galaxies; and Einstein and the Universe.
The non-linear tour helps users to experience and understand the scale of the cosmos, beginning with a satellite map that puts into perspective their place within it. Subsequent pages are infused with thought-provoking quotes from the authors and opportunities to share the compelling content on social media, with a logical progression to links for purchasing the book.
In the end, this site represents a departure from traditional book-marketing sites and helps the publisher leverage a visually striking and information-rich online presence in order to attract visitors and boost sales.
