Principle 4

Design for Digital First

Resources to support you

Thought Starters

Explaining Biological Processes Explaining Data Explaining Clinical Trials Explaining Health-Related Finances Explaining Risks & Benefits

We believe that when we design for digital first, we learn more about patients, and are able to create higher-value communications that better meet their evolving needs.

We want to ensure we account for different modalities of learning. When we design for static print media only, we may miss opportunities to create engaging communications that consider interactivity, video, sounds, and personalization. Digital media allows us to test and measure, so we can be flexible to improve our communications accross formats.

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UPL Rules

The UPL Rules provide detailed guidance on how each of the Principles can be applied in practice.

Below is a sample of rules pertaining to Design for Digital First:

Rule 15. Incorporate functions that allow the user to consume, explore, and expand information at their own pace.

Use dynamic, clickable images and links to break complex information into discrete parts. This allows users to selectively expand and collapse layers and levels of information.
Provide links to complete source data.

Rule 18. Don’t just build a website. Think holistically about patient experiences online and offline.

Consider the context in which patients are likely to access the materials, and how patients might use the information beyond the website.

e.g., A patient might share something from a website on Facebook or print it for use in a discussion with their healthcare team.
Don’t make assumptions about the way patients will reach a given webpage, or the order in which they will access content.

e.g., Consider the various channels and touchpoints by which a patient could access a website: mobile or desktop, email link, web search, or social media. Prioritize a channel but not to the exclusion of others.

Rule 21. Continue to produce print materials but in a digital context.

In print materials, prominently direct patients to useful web resources whenever it’s relevant to do so.
Provide downloadable, printable versions of all printed communications on the web so that everyone can access them.
Keep information and content consistent across all media.
Designing for Digital First doesn’t reduce the need for printed materials. Print is as important as ever, but digital can help overcome some of the limitations of print, e.g., expensive to produce and ship, slow to update.

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UPL Style Guide

The Style Guide offers detailed guidance on how patient and caregiver materials created with UPL should look and feel while also considering accessibility.

Style Guide topic examples related to Design for Digital First include:

Digital Typography

Digital typography can greatly impact the readability of a body of text. It becomes even more important when designing for patients, as their physical and emotional burdens can affect their ability to read and comprehend.

The UPL Style Guide provides guidance for digital typography, in addition to print typography.