Redesigning the DCP Website: Making Cancer Prevention Resources More Usable and Accessible
Redesigned the Division of Cancer Prevention website using a user-centered design approach to better serve diverse users—patients, caregivers, researchers, and the general public.
Title and Introduction
Redesigning the DCP Website: Making Cancer Prevention Resources More Usable and Accessible
The National Cancer Institute's Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP) supports critical research on preventing cancer. In 2001, the DCP website was redesigned using a user-centered design (UCD) approach to better serve its diverse user base—patients, caregivers, researchers, and the general public.
Problem Statement
Before the redesign, the DCP website suffered from unclear navigation, confusing language, and a lack of user-friendly structure. It was built using internal terminology and an organization-centric lens, making it difficult for external users—such as cancer patients and caregivers—to find and understand critical information.
Process and Methodology
A comprehensive User-Centered Design (UCD) process was used, incorporating:
- User Research: Interviews and card sorting
- Persona Development
- Scenario Creation
- Use Case & Requirements Development
- Prototype Development
- Heuristic Evaluation
- Usability Testing
Solution and Implementation
The redesigned site implemented:
- Simplified navigation
- Rewritten content in plain language
- Improved visual hierarchy
- Clear branding
- User-relevant terminology instead of internal jargon
Results and Impact
- Improved Usability
- Increased Engagement
- Ongoing Success: Redesigned in 2002, 2004, and 2008 with consistent improvements
Visuals and Design
- Personas and Scenarios
- Prototypes and Wireframes
- Before & After Comparisons
Credits and My Role
My Role: UX Researcher and Designer
- Led user research and persona development
- Conducted heuristic evaluations and usability testing
- Developed actionable design improvements
Collaborators:
- NCI Division of Cancer Prevention stakeholders
- Clinical researchers and design team
Call to Action
Want to learn how user-centered design can transform health-focused digital experiences? Let's connect and explore how I can support your next research-driven redesign project.
Visual Documentation
Division of Cancer Prevention website in 2001 - Initial redesign with improved navigation
2004 iteration - Enhanced visual hierarchy and clearer content organization
2008 redesign - Modern layout with improved user experience and accessibility