Co-designing a digital platform concept to improve access to Pacific health knowledge

Brief

Our team worked with Fiji National University’s (FNU) Pacific Health Observatory (PHO) to co-design and define a future digital platform concept to centralise health data, research outputs and policy insights across Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs).

The intent was to improve the discoverability and accessibility of Pacific health research, data and policy insights, strengthening evidence-based decision-making across the region.

Challenge

Data and research was fragmented, limiting visibility and accessibility.

While the team was Fiji-based and predominantly iTaukei, the platform needed to reflect the Pacific’s diverse Indigenous communities.

The platform needed to support diverse users, including researchers, policymakers and regional partners, with varying needs.

Ensuring culturally appropriate communication, alongside consideration of responsible data use and stewardship, was essential.

Solution

• Co-design-led discovery with PHO stakeholders through workshops to understand user needs and regional context

• Designed a scalable platform concept structuring health information across thematic areas, country profiles and research outputs

• Established clear information architecture and pathways to existing dashboards and repositories

• Delivered a culturally informed, accessible (WCAG 2.2 AA) responsive design system and prototype

Outcomes

The platform concept provided a validated blueprint for a culturally responsive health information system, shaped by stakeholder input, regional context, and accessible communication of health data.

It improved discoverability and access to Pacific health data, research and policy insights through clearer structure and integration.

Delivery-ready designs and a prototype provided a strong foundation for future implementation.