Next.js DevelopmentApplications
Next.js is our front-end framework of choice for data-heavy, interactive websites and web applications with global audiences, delivering fast, edge-rendered pages to visitors anywhere in the world.
Some projects demand more than a traditional content-managed website. When a brief involves dense interactive data, complex user journeys through large datasets, or high-performance rendering of structured content, Next.js is usually the right answer. It gives us server-rendered pages for SEO and speed, incremental static regeneration for content that updates in the background, and a React front-end for the rich, stateful interfaces that research and data projects need.
We’ve been building with Next.js since 2021, typically paired with a Craft CMS or Laravel backend providing the structured content and APIs the front-end consumes.
What we build with Next.js
Data-heavy research and policy platforms. Projects where the site is more than a brochure, where visitors need to explore, filter, compare, and drill into structured data. Next.js handles the rendering performance and React handles the interaction model, and the combination lets us ship interfaces that feel like applications rather than documents.
Headless architectures with Craft CMS. Where editors need Craft’s content management strengths but the front-end needs to be more dynamic than a server-rendered Twig template, Next.js pulls content through Craft’s GraphQL API and renders it with full React-level interactivity. Static generation, on-demand revalidation, and incremental builds make this approach practical at scale.
Front-ends on bespoke Laravel applications. For Laravel-powered applications that need a richer UI than Blade templates allow, Next.js makes an excellent front-end layer, consuming Laravel’s APIs directly and handling state, routing, and interactive components independently.
Performance-critical sites. Next.js’s image optimisation, font loading, code splitting, and edge rendering mean Lighthouse scores stay high even on content-dense pages, which matters for both user experience and search visibility.
How we host Next.js
Next.js projects are hosted on Vercel, which is purpose-built for the framework: pages are served from edge locations worldwide, and image optimisation, incremental static regeneration, and preview deployments are first-class features. Where a project pairs a Next.js front-end with a Craft or Laravel backend, we run the backend on our own AWS infrastructure — one team managing both sides of the stack.
Our Next.js credentials
- Production Next.js experience since 2021, delivered across research, climate, and policy projects
- Comfortable with both headless Craft and Laravel-backed architectures
- Experience with complex interactive data visualisation: charts, maps, filters, comparison tools, and structured search
- Vercel-hosted front-ends paired with backends on our own AWS infrastructure
When Next.js isn’t the answer
Next.js is the right tool when a brief genuinely calls for a React-level interactive experience. For a standard content-managed marketing website, a server-rendered Craft CMS build is simpler to run, cheaper to maintain, and easier for editors to live with. We’ll say so rather than reaching for the more complex option.
If you’re planning a project that needs this kind of front-end, get in touch to talk it through.
Related services
Next.js powers the front-end layer on many of our Web Applications, Laravel Development, and Data Visualisation projects.
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How we work
A proven process that delivers predictable results. No surprises, just steady progress toward your goals.
Discovery
We start by understanding your goals, audience, and constraints. Through workshops and research, we define the project scope and success criteria.
Strategy & Wireframing
We map out the user journey and information architecture. Low-fidelity wireframes let us test ideas quickly before committing to design.
UX/UI Design
Visual design that balances aesthetics with usability. We create interfaces that look great and guide users effortlessly toward their goals.
Development
Clean, well-documented code built on proven frameworks. We develop iteratively, sharing progress regularly so you're never in the dark.
Quality Assurance & Launch
Rigorous testing across devices and browsers. We handle deployment and ensure a smooth launch with minimal disruption.
Ongoing Support
Our relationship doesn't end at launch. We provide proactive maintenance, security updates, and responsive support to keep your product thriving.
Our technology stack
We choose tools that stand the test of time. Proven frameworks, robust infrastructure, and technologies your team can maintain long after launch.
Ready to start your project?
Let's discuss how we can help you achieve your digital goals. We typically respond within one business day.