DESIGN

Healthcare Data Visualization and Report Design & Guidelines

Client

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries

Scope of Work

Research
Interviews
Systems Mapping
Recommendation Report
Design of Reports
Data Visualization
Graphic Standards
ADA Considerations
Sample Reports
Implementation Guidance

Improving Reporting for Better Outcomes
We worked with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries to improve Occupational Healthcare reporting. The goal of this project was to promote the adoption of administrative best practices in order to minimize follow-up questions in case management, and to effectively use data visualization to improve reporting and outcomes. Our work required a systemic understanding of data and information flow between healthcare providers and state government to ensure optimal pathways to recovery for workers injured on the job. We incorporated a human-centered perspective of motivations and behavior as they pertain to measuring and reporting to a variety of healthcare audiences.

We applied the rules of good communication and editorial design to improve clarity, readability, consistency and predictability.

Communication Pathways
Both internal and external stakeholders were interviewed to gain comprehensive knowledge of data requirements, information management capabilities, overall system comprehension and evolving technical capacity. We designed based on this detailed and nuanced understanding of the communication pathways in Occupational Healthcare reporting in Washington and the need for improving decision-making and performance.

We also used intensive research to survey best international practice in infographics and data visualization across a broad range of sectors. We used these perspectives to develop improved tools for distribution of quantitative measures to influence preferred activities, to save tax dollars and, ultimately, to improve the long-term prospects for the workers in Washington.

A summative report of our research, with proposed “Design Principles” and a range of best design practice techniques were presented. In the second stage of work, we integrated our recommendations into a design system with rigorous structure, typography and graphic styles. A set of nine different model reports were fully designed and written. We also developed a Supplemental Information section with FAQs, measurement information, detailed explanations of Best Practices and a Glossary of Terms. A 40-page Design Guidelines document was written and designed for ongoing production requirements of reports.

Nine different reports were finalized, written and designed for the four administrative programs. Infographics included bar charts, tables, maps, and pictograms. We established detailed design rules for all elements based on the idea of designing for first-time users, including writing clear didactic titles and explanations to accompany all the graphics. Reports were standardized and colour-coded.

St. Michael’s Hospital Signage

Future of Philanthropy

KerrSmith Design
550 Queen St. East, Unit 335
Toronto, ON M5A 1V2
416-703-5377