Context
Ensuring that complex scientific insights could resonate effectively with diverse audiences across various platforms.
The Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is a cornerstone document that synthesizes the latest evidence on nutrition and health, offering a foundation for the development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). Published every five years, this report is a collaborative effort by a panel of experts tasked with reviewing the current body of research on dietary patterns, nutrition, and public health. Their findings provide science-based recommendations aimed at improving dietary habits, reducing chronic disease risks, and enhancing overall health outcomes for Americans.
As a designer for this pivotal project in 2024, I was deeply involved in shaping its visual identity and communication strategy. I led the design direction for the report's template, ensuring it was both professional and accessible to diverse audiences. Beyond the report itself, I developed a suite of marketing materials to promote its release, from digital assets to print collateral, all designed to amplify the impact of the Committee's work. Additionally, I contributed to early design exploration that will influence the broader 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, laying the groundwork for a cohesive and impactful visual language that aligns with the overarching goals of improving public health through clear and engaging communication.
I began collaborating with ODPHP's team early in the process, focusing on mood board explorations that aligned with the anticipated content of the report. While much of the material was traditional and heavily report-like, I aimed to infuse warmth and vitality into the design. We explored three distinct design directions, helping the team visualize how their collateral and the report itself could feel more engaging. Ultimately, we settled on a palette featuring warmer tones, complemented by hues inspired by the current colors found on the official government site for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. To future-proof the design for its five-year lifecycle, we introduced a broader range of colors in 3–4 tones for added flexibility.
Building on this initial exploration, I developed a simple yet comprehensive style guide to support the team in creating accessible and cohesive visuals. A major focus was ensuring the report's charts and graphs adhered to accessibility standards while maintaining visual appeal. This guide formed the foundation for various templates I designed, including general presentations, social media posts, fact sheets, collateral, and even a video template. These assets were tailored to communicate the release of the scientific report effectively across diverse channels.
This project came with its own set of challenges, particularly the need to design much of the content in Word and PowerPoint for wide distribution across multiple teams and departments. These platforms were essential due to the collaborative nature of the content creation process, with many contributors involved in writing and editing. As a designer, I had to adapt to these limitations by incorporating default fonts and creating elements that could scale effectively as PNG images. While this approach differed from traditional design work, it provided valuable insights into how scientific reports are crafted, the collaborative efforts behind them, and the crucial role design plays in enhancing readability and accessibility. It reinforced how thoughtful design solutions can bridge the gap between dense information and an engaging user experience.
The scientific report was officially released in December 2024, accompanied by over 30 supporting documents. The launch included a public announcement and an extended period of educational and promotional outreach. This milestone was particularly exciting, as it marked the culmination of years of scientific research and public engagement. The report’s accessible format now allows professionals and the general public alike to easily explore and understand the findings. Importantly, this report sets the stage for the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, with its insights and accessible design influencing resources and communication in the coming years.
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