Associates in Periodontics (Fort Collins, Colorado)
01 | Client/Company:
Associates in Periodontics (AIP) is a dental practice that specializes in dental implants and cosmetic periodontal surgery.
02 | My Role at AIP:
Following a change in ownership, I was hired by AIP to work as a graphic designer in December 2017. My role at AIP is to provide creative direction from start to finish with their marketing assets (print and web) to better inform patients and referring doctors of AIP’s dental implant and periodontal surgical procedures.
03 | Project Goal/ Objective:
After finishing a complete overhaul of AIP’s brand identity in early 2018, my next project was to help AIP address how to best explain the complicated and sometimes confusing procedures recommended to patients. Dr. Merritt explained she often would hand draw (with paper and pen) these procedures for patients as she discussed each step during consultations. To assist patients with learning about each procedure, I
proposed that we create a set of printed visual guides (infographics) to have on hand in each individual dental room. As procedures are recommended, the infographics can be used to help patients follow along with each step.
04 | Research & Design Process:
Research
The next step was to narrow down which surgical procedures to make into infographics. Dr. Merritt shared that the most popular surgical procedures at AIP are: dental implants, dental implants with a sinus lift and osseous surgery (pocket depth reduction). I was provided notes about each procedure and then conducted research online to find additional literature and visual examples of these procedures to get a jump start of brain-storming the best way to present and design the material.
Design Process
Once the text was written, I used InDesign to create three separate rough drafts of the procedures. After the basic layout and text were approved, I used Illustrator to create visuals of each step.
A number of drafts were submitted until AIP was satisfied with the outcome. Once the infographics were finalized for print, proofs were sent to the printer for approval. The final infographics were printed on 14” x 8.5” 100 lb matte cardstock and then laminated. A copy of each of the infographics was placed in each dental room.
05 | Outcome:
Dr. Merritt was really happy with the outcome of the infographics. She now says patients are able to follow her consultations better when she needs to refer to one of the procedures. With the goal being such a success, the next project was to make additional infographics of other procedures.
This project was a perfect example of resolving an ongoing problem with a fairly simple solution. I particularly enjoyed the project because I was given quite a bit of freedom with how to present and illustrate the information for each infographic.