The Norwegian Parkinson’s Association works to ensure that everyone living with Parkinson’s is seen, receives support, and experiences a sense of belonging. When we were tasked with developing a new information architecture and design system, the goal was to create a solution that is both functional and emotional: easy to navigate, while also conveying hope, warmth and community.
The Challenge
The existing solution showed both strengths and areas for improvement. On a positive note, the content was both comprehensive and well-structured, while the challenges included a lack of visual elements, limited use of images and illustrations, complex navigation, and unclear user tasks.
These insights laid the foundation for further design work and guided the prioritization of measures to make the website more visual, intuitive and user-friendly.
Design Phase
The concept is built on hope, optimism, compassion, and warmth, with a clear ambition: that everyone living with Parkinson’s is seen and receives support. The logo core evokes associations with the sun, warmth, and energy, providing strong guidance for the ongoing design process.
Gradient as a Source of Warmth
This is expressed through a soft, blurry gradient displayed over images, functioning as a visual "source of warmth" that emphasizes closeness, care and hope.
Emotionally Aware Information Architecture
The information architecture is designed with the user’s emotional perspective in mind, as they engage with the website and seek answers, support and a sense of community.
Facts about Parkinson’s – Understanding the disease
A phase where the user seeks answers: "What is happening to me?" They need information to be clear and easy to navigate.
Living with Parkinson’s – Impacts of the disease
The user has received an official diagnosis: "How do I live with this?" They are seeking guidance and support on how to adapt to and manage their new daily life. The content should be clear and reassuring, while also being inspiring and uplifting.
Get Involved!
The user wants to create engagement: "How can I contribute?"
Find your local group / Activities / Become a member
The user needs social support and a sense of belonging: "You are not alone" and "I need community."
About us
Information about the sender, building credibility and trust: "Who is behind this?"
Larger Click Areas
To make the solution as user-friendly as possible, we expanded the click areas across all screen sizes. This makes navigation easier for everyone – especially for people with Parkinson’s, who may experience motor challenges. Additionally, we avoided elements that require precise dragging or repeated scrolling, ensuring navigation feels simple and accessible for all.