A University of Colorado Initiative

Case Study: UX & Neurodesign for the Design Health Initiative

Project Overview

The Design Health Initiative at the University of Colorado Denver bridges the fields of architecture, healthcare, and technology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to improve health outcomes through design. Sydney Ledden, as a UX strategist and advisory council member, is leading the design and development of the initiative’s website and LinkedIn presence, ensuring the platform is:

  • Intuitive & Accessible → A seamless user experience (UX) that supports diverse users, from students to industry leaders.

  • Resource-Rich & Well-Structured → A knowledge hub that organizes research, events, and sponsor contributions for easy access.

  • Engaging & Interactive → A digital space that fosters collaboration, sponsorship engagement, and academic partnerships.

The website will launch in 2025, incorporating best practices in UX, service design, and neurodesign principles to create a platform that is both functional and innovative.

Research & UX Strategy

1. Understanding the Target Users

A successful platform must serve a wide range of stakeholders while keeping the user experience intuitive and engaging. Through user research, competitor analysis, and industry best practices, we identified three core user groups:

User GroupNeeds & Pain PointsUX SolutionsResearchers & AcademicsNeed structured access to publications, funding opportunities, and collaborations.Clear navigation with an indexed research library and faculty profiles.Industry Professionals & SponsorsNeed visibility on partnerships, sponsorships, and real-world applications of research.Sponsor spotlights, interactive funding opportunities, and industry case studies.Students & Emerging DesignersSeek educational resources, networking, and project funding.Event calendars, mentorship connections, and an application portal for student-led research.

2. Key Features & UX Enhancements

Based on our user journey analysis, the website will prioritize information discoverability, accessibility, and engagement.

Resource Hub for Research & Knowledge Sharing

  • Categorized content library for publications, white papers, and ongoing projects.

  • Advanced search and filtering for quick access to relevant topics.

Sponsor & Industry Engagement

  • Sponsorship tiers with featured recognition in case studies, blogs, and live events.

  • Partner showcase page with industry collaborations and real-world applications of design health research.

Neurodesign Principles for UX/UI

Applying neurodesign principles to create an inclusive and cognitively accessible platform:

  • Information layering → Users can skim summaries or dive deeper into research.

  • Minimal cognitive load → Simplified menus and clear categorization prevent information overload.

  • Soft color palettes and contrast optimization → Enhances readability for all users, including those with neurodivergent needs.

3. User Journey: Seamless Digital Navigation

The website is structured to guide different user types toward their goals effortlessly.

StepUser InteractionUX/UI ConsiderationsLanding PageUsers enter via homepage or direct links.Personalized content sections based on user intent.Exploring ResearchAcademics & professionals browse research topics.Intelligent filtering and search functionality.Engaging with Events & ProgramsStudents and professionals seek networking opportunities.Interactive event calendar and streamlined RSVP process.Sponsorship & Funding AccessIndustry partners browse sponsorship tiers.Custom dashboards for funding programs and impact metrics.

Implementation & Next Steps

Phase 1: Information Architecture & Prototyping (Q1-Q2 2024)

  • Conduct wireframing and user testing on navigation and search functionality.

  • Build an interactive prototype in Figma for stakeholder review.

Phase 2: Content Development & UX Refinement (Q3 2024)

  • Develop content strategy for research, sponsorships, and educational materials.

  • Apply neurodesign principles to ensure accessibility.

Phase 3: Full Development & Testing (Q4 2024 – Q1 2025)

  • Finalize backend integration for resource management and event tracking.

  • Conduct beta testing with real users before launch.

Conclusion

Sydney Ledden’s approach ensures the Design Health Initiative website is more than just an information hub—it is a strategic, user-centered digital experience that drives collaboration, accessibility, and long-term engagement. By applying UX research, neurodesign, and service design strategies, this platform will streamline access to research, strengthen industry partnerships, and create a more inclusive space for innovation in health-focused design.

The full platform is set to launch in 2025.