Early in the planning process it is important to draw a distinction between the graphic design, information architecture and the website development itself. Graphic design could include the look-and-feel as well as the functioning of the website, covering such things as colors, fonts, navigation aids, decorative images, etc.
Many scholarly research websites include some sort of searchable collection of data. This data is most often stored in a database running alongside the website responding to search queries submitted by users on the site. The complexity of the data you might like to make available and searchable on a website is a determining factor in choosing the proper platform.
A common assumption is that some sort of grant funding is needed to make a website. Some sources of grant funding may offer website development assistance and consulting as part of the award, but in many cases funding for the development of a website may not be strictly necessary. One thing to keep in mind is that outside, non-Princeton designers and developers can be very expensive. While that may be completely appropriate in many cases, it might also be possible to begin with a simpler design at the start and to add functionality as the need arises. Making use of custom coding and design many also require that you establish and maintain a more sophisticated platform such as an OIT or externally hosted server for the project. Servers such as these will require that you keep the website software up to date and secure.
Funding sources to explore include:
Are you interested in sharing data and datasets? Please contact the Princeton Research Data Service to learn more about the many platforms available to you.