Design of a Web-based Diseases and Conditions Index for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Diseases and Conditions Index (DCI) provides citizens with a web-based, plain language description of health conditions and treatments. Users can access information in three ways -- keyword search, browse by topic, or alphabetic look-up. A design goal was to present valid, up-to-date medical information in an easily accessible, readable style, aimed at the lay public.
UserWorks supported the Circle Solutions content developers in the design of the information architecture and in usability testing DCI prototypes at two stages during development. Test findings resulted in improvements to the taxonomy by which content was organized, the display of search results, branding and look of the site, the ease of finding the DCI from NHLBI's home page, and the functionality for users to share DCI information. The site has enjoyed heavy usage, strong user satisfaction ratings, and numerous kudos from users.
By Claude Steinberg and Dick Horst
UserWorks, Inc.
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