Cystinosis in Focus
Recordati Rare Diseases partnered with Ascender to develop Cystinosis in Focus, an online hub supporting patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in understanding and managing the ocular manifestations of cystinosis and the importance of treatment.
While often treated as a systemic condition, cystinosis also significantly impacts the eyes—an aspect that can be overlooked given the disease’s rarity. Ascender led strategy, medical direction, design, and development to create a dual-audience experience with dedicated pathways for patients and caregivers, as well as healthcare professionals—particularly ophthalmologists—delivering clear, actionable education that emphasizes the need for specialized ocular care.
The brand identity was built around an approachable yet authoritative aesthetic to instill trust and encourage engagement. A clean, modern logo with subtle organic forms reflects both the scientific and human aspects of the condition. Soft, high-contrast color palettes were chosen to meet ADA accessibility standards while conveying a sense of optimism and care.
We designed the site around the real-world journey of both patients and healthcare professionals. For patients and caregivers, the experience provides step-by-step guidance—from understanding the disease and its ocular impact, to monitoring and managing symptoms, to preparing for meaningful conversations with their doctor. Educational content is paired with practical resources to help users feel informed, empowered, and supported throughout their journey.
For healthcare professionals, particularly ophthalmologists, the experience emphasizes the often-overlooked ocular manifestations of cystinosis—reinforcing the importance of early intervention, ongoing monitoring, and proactive management.
To support this breadth of content, we organized the site into easily navigable modules that break complex information into concise, digestible sections. Clear calls-to-action and intuitive page hierarchies guide users seamlessly from high-level overviews to deeper, more detailed resources—allowing each audience to explore at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed.
Visually, the site balances medical credibility with warmth. Generous white space, intuitive typography, and accessible color contrasts ensure readability across devices and for all users, including those with visual impairments. Subtle animations and engaging photography add a welcoming touch, making the platform both informative and inviting while reinforcing Recordati’s commitment to patient support.
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