Case Study
Joining Forces for Parkinson’s Breakthroughs
How Our Redesign Revolutionized Parkinson's Disease Studies by Putting Participants at the Heart of the Journey
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Parkinson's Disease Biomarkers Program (PDBP) was developed to accelerate the discovery of promising new diagnostic and progression biomarkers for Parkinson's Disease.
Overview
Client: Parkinson’s Disease Biomarkers Program (PDBP)
Industry: Health
Role: Product Design Lead
Imagine a world where Parkinson's disease, a complex neurological condition that relentlessly impacts movement and cognition, could be better understood and effectively treated. This was the driving force behind the Parkinson's Disease Biomarkers Program—a collaborative platform aimed at revolutionizing Parkinson's research. With a shared vision of propelling advancements and improving the lives of those affected, our journey began.
The Problem
As we delved into the project, we discovered a significant challenge—the existing website was heavily skewed towards researchers, leaving participants and potential participants feeling confused and overwhelmed. The abundance of scientific jargon created barriers, making it challenging for individuals to understand their role in the research process. We knew a transformation was imperative to bridge this gap and create a truly inclusive experience.
Illuminating a Path to an Inclusive Redesign
To embark on this transformative journey, we recognized the need to understand the diverse needs and perspectives of our users. Through meticulous persona creation and validation, we ensured that no key groups were overlooked.
Collaborating closely with stakeholders, we identified five pivotal personas that would serve as our guiding beacons: the researcher, the physician/caretaker, the patient, the family member/loved one, and the NINDS staff member. Armed with these insights, we embarked on the path towards a user-centered platform that would empower and engage all stakeholders.
Brand Refresh: Unveiling a New Identity
In our quest to set the Parkinson's Disease Biomarkers Program apart, we ventured into a brand refresh journey. The old orange and red color scheme failed to differentiate the program from countless organizations in the Parkinson's field. We wanted a brand that would captivate and resonate with our audience. Through moodboards and client collaboration, we discovered a new direction—a cool color scheme with strategic pops of warmth. This refreshed visual identity would symbolize the program's modernity and approachability, laying the foundation for a remarkable design system.
Empowering Participants through User Experience
Through interviews with Parkinson's patients and potential participants, we uncovered a profound truth—many were unaware of their ability to contribute to studies and had difficulty finding relevant information. Some believed the website was solely for researchers, while others expressed fear and uncertainty about what to expect. To address these challenges head-on, we set out to create a clear and inviting pathway for participants.
With two distinct paths on the homepage—one for researchers and one for participants—we rewrote content using accessible language, introduced engaging graphics, and incorporated interactive elements. Our goal was to empower participants and foster a deeper sense of engagement throughout their journey.
Design System: A Foundation for Consistency and Growth
Building the design system, page templates, and layouts was a collaborative effort that brought together designers and developers. Guided by the principles of atomic design, we created visually stunning and highly functional designs that seamlessly adapted across devices and screen sizes. The design system became our compass, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and scalability. With reusable components, styles, and guidelines, we fostered a cohesive visual language that enhanced the user experience and streamlined development. It served as the foundation for future growth, empowering the Parkinson's Disease Biomarkers Program to evolve with ease while maintaining a unified and exceptional user experience.
Results and Impact: A Journey Fulfilled
Our journey culminated at the Parkinson's Disease Consortium, where we showcased the transformed website to an audience of researchers, healthcare providers, patients, and family members. The overwhelming feedback affirmed the impact of our work—praised for its user-friendly interface, intuitive navigation, and visually stunning design. Our dedication was honored with a prestigious award from the President of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), highlighting the significance of our contributions in advancing Parkinson's research and driving positive change. Together, we have created a platform that empowers participants, fosters collaboration, and propels the frontiers of Parkinson's research. This is the power of design, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving lives.
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