Type1Support
Building an
Educational Platform on Type 1 Diabetes
As part of a medical research program on type 1 diabetes, McGill University and the IRCM Institute Clinical Research sought to create an educational platform accessible to people living with this condition. Named Type1Support, the platform aims to help individuals with type 1 diabetes better understand and manage their condition daily. The platform offers six educational courses, personalized tracking, and a rewards system to support learning. Users who complete the full program receive a certificate.
Turning Scientific Expertise into
a Learning Tool
In spring 2019, McGill University and the IRCM called on Nara to design and launch the Type1Support educational platform, a user-friendly, engaging, and easy-to-use platform while maintaining scientific rigor. Type1Support also needed to allow the creation of personalized profiles for each user to facilitate learning.
Additionally, the research program associated with the platform required a complete tracking system and automated email reminders. Emphasizing both playful and informative aspects, we opted for a clean presentation of a media library including videos, PDFs, calculators, and a glossary.
Project Objectives
Develop a simple and enjoyable interface that allows people with type 1 diabetes to easily access structured, interactive, and visually engaging educational content, fostering a long-term understanding of their condition.
Implement six modular courses including chapters, quizzes, diverse media, and progress tracking. Support motivation through rewards, certificates, and a gamified experience encouraging users to complete the program.
Provide features for individual participant tracking, secure data collection, and autonomous content addition by the McGill team. Ensure a stable, scalable platform that meets the project’s ethical requirements.
Provided
Solutions
To meet Type1Support’s needs, we designed a comprehensive approach combining branding, intuitive design, and technical development. Every visual and functional element was designed to guide the user, boost engagement, and facilitate learning. The goal was to create a coherent, accessible, and motivating platform where educational content and user experience reinforce each other.
Branding and Visual Design
The first step of the project was defining the platform’s visual identity. We created original illustrations, recurring characters, and avatars to bring warmth and humanity to the experience. Every icon, color, and graphic element was designed to facilitate understanding and make medical content more accessible. This uniform visual identity ensures intuitive navigation and gives the platform a welcoming, professional appearance.
Website Development
Type1Support was developed to provide a smooth and comprehensive user experience. Each user can create a personalized profile and track progress through a clear and visual dashboard. The modular courses include multiple chapters, diverse media, and interactive quizzes, while the media library offers videos, PDFs, calculators, and a glossary. Discussion forums and news sections keep users connected and informed, and content provided by McGill University was carefully integrated to ensure scientific accuracy.
Gamification
To maintain user engagement, we integrated gamification mechanisms that reward progress and encourage persistence. Users receive trophies and certificates as they advance through courses, gradually unlock levels, and accumulate experience points. This visual and motivating progression makes learning more playful while promoting knowledge retention and active participation on the platform.
Data Compilation and Optimization
Within the research program, the platform needed to allow precise individual tracking. We implemented a secure system that collects user interactions and generates personalized reports for the medical team. This approach ensures comprehensive tracking while respecting ethical requirements and participant confidentiality. Finally, scripts and code were optimized, accompanied by beta testing and troubleshooting to guarantee quality and reliability before launch.
Our results in figures
Members already registered, including youth aged 14–16 and adults living with type 1 diabetes in Canada, as well as healthcare professionals supporting these individuals.
Courses available across approximately ten topics tailored to user realities: understanding active insulin, adjusting doses for meals or physical activity, reducing mental load, etc.
Healthcare professionals and patients consulted for content creation and validation. All content is based on the latest recommendations and the best available scientific evidence.
