Mediapost | Code and Theory Overhauls Commonwealth Fund

The Commonwealth Fund (CMWF) is getting a makeover. The effort to modernize and streamline the digital healthcare platform’s gigantic information-architecture will amplify its mission. The organization supports independent research to promote a better and more equitable healthcare system — particularly for those without resources.

The foundation spent the first half of 2020 doing an extensive site audit with another agency partner before teaming with Code and Theory (C&T) to ensure all content is findable and scalable as CMWF prepares for the post-pandemic world.

One key task was simple organization. C&T’s research discovered the Fund’s data was grouped in a “sprawling taxonomic” framework that was inhibiting connections and order.

This “common issue” resulted after CMWF spent more than a decade developing content as the website grew. It added more products and features, but neglected to properly connect relevant information.

Now, the agency regrouped this information for easier navigation.

C&T also designed a data-driven approach to find solutions to create an easier structure and hierarchy for the CMWF’s key audiences, including policy makers, legislators and researchers, as well as media and the educated public.

Next, it dug into the weeds, says Chmiel. “Nestled in that archive are a number of bespoke features that deserved more attention to the audience,” he says. For example, CMWF has maintained “excellent score cards,” in which different countries deliver health care on different topics.

“Every time we thought we captured all of the exceptions to the system, we discovered a new corner of the site that deserved more design attention,” he adds.