RIGETTI
Client: Rigetti Computing
Project: Forest 2.0 Developer Platform Redesign & Launch
Date: 2020
The Challenge
Rigetti Computing is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing, offering superconducting quantum processors and cloud access to researchers and enterprises. Their existing developer tools and documentation were fragmented, outdated, and difficult to navigate.
Developers faced steep onboarding barriers: complex installation processes, scattered resources across GitHub, docs, and community channels, and a lack of clear pathways for getting started with quantum programming using PyQuil and the Forest SDK. This slowed adoption of Rigetti’s powerful hardware (Novera, 108+ qubit systems) and limited the growth of their quantum ecosystem.
The Solution
We designed and delivered Forest 2.0 — a modern, cohesive developer experience that makes quantum computing accessible without sacrificing technical depth. The platform unifies installation, documentation, tools, and community resources into one intuitive hub.
Key features include:
Streamlined sign-up, login, and onboarding flows with clear membership tiers and API key generation.
Centralized documentation and learning resources with improved navigation and search.
Integrated GitHub repository access, CLI tools, and development environment setup.
Dedicated sections for support (issue tracker, release notes), connection (blog, social, community), and account management.
Thoughtful UX patterns such as confirmation pages, payment/order flows for enterprise memberships, and logged-in states.
The result is a professional yet approachable developer portal that reflects Rigetti’s cutting-edge position in quantum technology.
The Process
We followed a fast, collaborative, user-centered approach tailored to a highly technical audience:
Stakeholder & Developer Research — Workshops and interviews with Rigetti’s team and target developers to map pain points in the current Forest experience.
Information Architecture & Wireframing — Organized complex topics (PyQuil, QVM, hardware access, etc.) into clear user flows and low-fidelity wireframes.
High-Fidelity Design & Prototyping — Created sleek, dark-themed interfaces with quantum-inspired aesthetics while maintaining clarity and usability.
Iterative Testing — Validated flows with developers, refining sign-up, documentation access, and account management based on real feedback.
Handover & Implementation Support — Delivered a complete design system and documentation for seamless development.
The Outcome
Forest 2.0 successfully launched as the new home for Rigetti’s developer community. It dramatically improved developer onboarding, reduced friction in accessing quantum tools, and strengthened Rigetti’s position as a leader in practical quantum computing.
Key results:
Unified, modern developer portal replacing fragmented resources.
Smoother onboarding and higher engagement with PyQuil, Forest SDK, and quantum hardware.
Clear pathways for both newcomers and advanced users (researchers, enterprises).
Scalable foundation for future growth, including enterprise memberships and advanced features.
Final Thought
Quantum computing demands tools that are as sophisticated as the technology itself — yet accessible enough to accelerate innovation. With Forest 2.0, we bridged the gap between cutting-edge hardware and human developers. By focusing on clarity, structure, and delightful UX in a highly complex domain, we helped Rigetti empower the next generation of quantum programmers. This project exemplifies how thoughtful design can accelerate breakthroughs in frontier technology.