How OLLI at UC Berkeley Built a Member-Centered Digital Platform with Drupal and CiviCRM to Support Lifelong Learning Online and In Person
overview
At Aero Design, we partner with mission-driven institutions to create digital systems that are as thoughtful and engaging as the communities they serve. When the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UC Berkeley approached us, their digital experience was falling short of their exceptional in-person and online programming for older adult learners. OLLI needed a powerful, flexible platform to support course enrollment, membership management, and content access—all tailored for a multigenerational audience. We delivered a new Drupal 10 site integrated with CiviCRM that makes lifelong learning easier to access, manage, and enjoy.
challenge
OLLI’s previous website had become outdated and burdensome for both staff and members. The design lacked clarity and mobile responsiveness, the course registration process was confusing, and integration between content, payments, and member records was incomplete. Older adults—a core audience—often struggled with usability, and staff faced daily hurdles keeping content up to date or resolving issues with signups and payments. OLLI needed a full digital transformation that would modernize the experience for members while reducing complexity behind the scenes.
our approach
We began by mapping out OLLI’s unique workflows—from course browsing and membership types to educator communication and post-session resource sharing. Using Drupal 10, we built a custom content management system that supports flexible, accessible content layouts. Then we integrated CiviCRM to handle payments, registrations, and member data with consistency and control. We introduced a modern, mobile-first design with intuitive navigation tailored to older adults, ensuring that members can browse, sign up, and revisit content with confidence—day or night, on any device.
results
The new OLLI at UC Berkeley website empowers both members and staff with a dramatically improved digital experience. Members can easily join, enroll in classes, and access session recordings and materials. Behind the scenes, staff benefit from streamlined content management, automated communications, and centralized CRM data. The site’s performance, accessibility, and design now match the caliber of OLLI’s programming and community. This project is a strong example of how Aero Design supports educational institutions in creating welcoming, scalable, and future-ready digital platforms.
