Centre for Human Rights Research
Project Overview
The CHRR (Centre for Human Rights Research) website is a large-scale content platform developed for the University of Manitoba to present research initiatives, publications, events, and resources related to human rights studies. The project required the development of a fully customized WordPress theme tailored specifically to the website’s UI design and content structure.
The platform provides an organized and accessible interface for researchers, students, and the public to explore projects, publications, and research activities conducted by the Centre for Human Rights Research at the University of Manitoba.
Project Information
Project Type
Web Development
Technologies
WordPress, PHP, JavaScript,
Jquery, Ajax, SCSS, Gutenberg
WordPress Features
- ACF Custom Gutenberg Blocks
- Custom Taxonomies for Courses
- Gravity Forms Custom Code Integration
- REST API Post Filtering
Website Link:
Key Features
Project Goal
The goal of the project was to build a scalable WordPress platform for the Centre for Human Rights Research at the University of Manitoba capable of managing complex academic content, including researchers, books, research projects, and related publications. The system needed to provide a clear and accessible structure for presenting scholarly work while maintaining the visual identity of the UI design and ensuring responsive usability across devices.
My Role
Lead WordPress Developer
Responsible for the complete development of the website, including the implementation of a fully customized WordPress theme based on the UI design. Developed dynamic content structures, custom Gutenberg blocks, and scalable content architecture to support researchers, publications, and research projects while ensuring responsive and accessible user experience.
Key Features Implemented
- Fully customized WordPress theme development based on the provided UI design
- Implementation of complex content architecture using custom post types and taxonomies for researchers, publications, books, and research projects
- Development of ACF-based custom Gutenberg blocks to enable flexible and reusable page layouts
- Structured content relationships between researchers, publications, and research initiatives
- Dynamic listing and filtering of research content collections
- Scalable content management system designed to support a large volume of academic materials, professors’ profiles and their research articles
- Responsive layouts optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
- Accessibility-focused development aligned with WCAG accessibility guidelines
Technologies Used
Custom Post Types | JQuery | SCSS / CSS | Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) | Gutenberg Block Editor | Gravity Forms | Pattern Approach | Taxonomies | ACF Meta Fields | Reusable Blocks | REST API Post Filtering | Web Accessibility Compliance | Custoom Navigation
Selected Custom Components
Customised Slider Block
This slider component was implemented as a custom Gutenberg block using the Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin. The block is connected to ACF meta fields to provide a structured and user-friendly administrative interface, allowing content editors to easily manage, customize, and populate slider content directly within the WordPress editor.
The slider was built using the Slick Slider JavaScript library and connected to ACF meta fields, enabling administrators to easily manage slide content and adjust slider settings through the WordPress editor.
The slider content is fully dynamic, with each slide element—images, headings, text, and links—controlled through ACF meta fields. This provides a flexible admin interface that allows content editors to easily update and customize slider content directly within Gutenberg block.
Customised Filter Block
A custom Gutenberg block that filters posts by category using the WordPress REST API. AJAX requests on the front end retrieve filtered results from JSON responses and dynamically update the displayed content without page reloads. Filtered posts are presented in a Masonry grid layout implemented with the Masonry.js library. The block is built using ACF, providing a convenient admin interface for inserting and configuring the filter within the WordPress editor.
Customised Grid Block
A custom grid Gutenberg block designed to display professor profile posts dynamically based on the categories to which they are assigned. The block allows administrators to select and organize profiles within the WordPress editor, providing a flexible way to present faculty members across different research themes or departments.
Interactive Timeline Slider
A custom timeline slider block built as a reusable Gutenberg block using Advanced Custom Fields (ACF). The block integrates the Slick Slider JavaScript library to provide smooth horizontal navigation through timeline entries.
Each timeline item (year, title, and description) is dynamically managed through ACF meta fields, allowing administrators to easily add, edit, or reorder timeline content directly from the WordPress Gutenberg editor without touching code.
The component was designed to present chronological information in a structured and visually engaging way while maintaining full responsiveness across devices.
Technologies used:
WordPress • Gutenberg • ACF • Slick Slider • JavaScript • SCSS
InterInteractive Word Cloud Submission Block
A custom Gutenberg block built with Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) that allows visitors to submit words or short phrases expressing their connection to water. The block integrates Gravity Forms for user input and the WordCloud.js library to dynamically visualize submitted responses.
When a user submits a phrase through the form, the entry is stored via Gravity Forms and automatically displayed within the interactive word cloud visualization. Administrators can manage submissions directly from the Gravity Forms dashboard, allowing entries to be reviewed, edited, or removed if necessary.
The block provides an engaging way to collect community input while visually presenting contributions in real time.
Technologies used:
WordPress • Gutenberg • ACF • Gravity Forms • WordCloud.js • JavaScript • AJAX
