Learning Design in an NHS Organisation

As creatives, we love pushing pixels around the screen to bring visual and engaging solutions that resonates with the audience. As a designer in the NHS that is no different… although on the face of it may seem like there is a lot of restrictions when it comes to designing for the NHS. This is because there are guidelines that must be followed alongside any organisational guidelines the company may have. For designers, this can seem like a lot of limitations in what they can actually do — and I felt the same when I first joined The Health Informatics Service.

The NHS Identity Guidelines informs and provides NHS organisations with fonts and colours that can be used as well as how and when to use the NHS logo along with the tone of voice they should be using. This aims to keep the NHS brand consistent no matter where it is used. Add in the accessibility guidelines and the amount of freedom you have on the design you can bring to the table has suddenly decreased.

A lot of my focus when it comes to design is website/system design but since joining the Webteam I’ve been involved in a lot more than that. I’ve created communication materials such as banners, posters and screensavers as well as designing logos as part of a re-brand. All of these have tested my design capabilities as I’ve had to think more outside the box to come up with visual and engaging solutions that also comply with both the NHS Guidelines and Accessibility Guidelines. I feel these challenges have helped me become a better, more rounded designer.

For designers who are new in the NHS world, I’d say to not be afraid of these guidelines and use them to your advantage. Embrace them in your workflow. And as the design world continues to evolve, continue to learn new skills to help bring visual solutions to your customer.

Published by Sophie Thomas on 15.10.2020.

Sophie is our Assistant Web Developer and has been working within the Webteam since September 2017. Her role involves coding websites, producing videos, providing customer support, assisting on design jobs and managing social media channels for THIS. Sophie also has a Diploma in Social Media Marketing.