"How I learned to live well with Type 2"
Sarah's journey from diagnosis to daily management.
Diabetes Canada: Homepage Wireframes
Prepared by Iman & Creative Team · Smartech Consulting
We are currently in the wireframing phase: defining homepage structure and information hierarchy based on GA4 data, DC artifacts, and UX research. Next steps: DC provides feedback on homepage wireframes and navigation, we narrow to a single structural direction, Smartech works with the DC brand team to explore look and feel across the three concepts, then we move into stakeholder review and visual design. That will conclude Discovery and move us into Design where we open it up to working on all templates concurrently.
Empathize→
Define→
Ideate→
Prototype→
Test
Disclaimer: These wireframes represent structural homepage concepts, not final designs. Content, imagery, icons, copy, and visual styling are placeholder only and will be refined. Navigation labels are illustrative; global navigation is a separate decision. Some data points (e.g. traffic figures) are included to show the research rationale behind each section's placement and priority, not as proposed on-page content. These concepts should be evaluated on structure and information hierarchy, not look and feel.
Design Rationale: What the Data + DC Brief Say the Homepage Must Do
These wireframe options draw from GA4 analytics (Feb 2025 to Feb 2026), UX research synthesis across 40+ artifacts, and Diabetes Canada's homepage grounding statement and 7-block brief.
97% New Users
The site functions as a search destination, not a return-visit resource. First impressions are everything. The homepage must orient newcomers in under 5 seconds.
Search Is #1 Action
12,515 users go from homepage to search results. The current navigation fails to surface content. Search must be elevated to a primary element.
3 Audiences, 1 Door
PWLE, Donors, and HCPs compete for one homepage. All research agrees: they all have very different needs. Audience-based routing is top priority.
Hub Pages = 3-7% Bounce
Index/hub pages retain users at 3-7% bounce vs 35-88% for standalone pages. The homepage must function as the ultimate hub.
Tools Drive Engagement
Interactive tools are among the highest-traffic content on the site. They deserve homepage prominence as primary content, not buried secondary resources.
DC Grounding Statement
Emotional connection first. "Seen. Supported. Empowered." Hierarchy: Emotional connection → Clear pathways → Trust building → Proof of action → Ongoing connection.
Wireframe Structure
Three research-led wireframes are presented as primary options, with two references included to show DC's brief verbatim, and another illustrating the search-forward future state.
Primary Wireframes (Presented)
- 1: Pathway Selector: Audience triage first. Three clear cards route PWLE, Donors, and HCPs into content ecosystems. Choose Your Path. Strong research
- 2: Scenario-Led: Leads with life scenarios ("I was just diagnosed," "I manage daily"). Strongest for PWLE emotional onboarding. Strong research
- 3: Data Hybrid ★: Best-of-all: search hero + scenario nav + Ways to Give + newly diagnosed spotlight. Every section data-justified. Very Strong research
Alternate Wireframes
- Future State (Search-Forward): Prominent search bar + audience routing in a combined hero. Directly addresses the #1 homepage action. Requires mature search infrastructure to fully deliver. Future State
- DC Requested (DC Vision Refined): Follows DC's 7-block brief and grounding statement hierarchy. Moderate: emotionally strong, functionally weaker
Why These 3 + 2?
We evaluated 11 possible homepage architectures against GA4 data, UX research, and the DC brief. Six were excluded because they are either components rather than architectures (Tool-First, Community-Led, Campaign-Driven), operationally unsustainable (Editorial-Magazine), or require infrastructure DC doesn't yet have (Portal/Personalized). Condition-Centric is absorbed into Navigation Option 2 rather than the homepage. See the Approach Landscape tab for the full defence.
★ = Recommended option
Wireframe 1: Pathway Selector
Choose Your Path. Audience triage model. Route users by who they are, then surface departmental content in functional bands.
Why This Is Presented
Research Score: Strong ·GA4 confirms audience routing is the #1 cross-segment priority. Hub pages achieve 3-7% bounce vs 35-88% for standalone pages. This is the clearest, most scalable architecture for a multi-audience charity.
Strengths: Clearest audience triage; scalable; addresses the #1 research finding: current nav organized by department, not audience. Strong research & data backing.
Risks: May feel generic without scenario/emotional framing; doesn't address search as #1 action. "I can be multiple."
Navigation Preference: Pathway Selector (Audience Gateway)
Nav should be audience-aware and topic-based. Think broad categories like "About Diabetes," "Nutrition," "Tools." The whole point of this wireframe is routing people by who they are. The nav reinforces that by staying neutral and not assuming which audience you belong to. It's the most conventional charity navigation. Search is visible but secondary to the routing cards below.
Nav should be audience-aware and topic-based. Think broad categories like "About Diabetes," "Nutrition," "Tools." The whole point of this wireframe is routing people by who they are. The nav reinforces that by staying neutral and not assuming which audience you belong to. It's the most conventional charity navigation. Search is visible but secondary to the routing cards below.
DIABETES CANADA
Search diabetes.ca
Donate
Hero Section
Living with diabetes? You're not alone.
Whether you were just diagnosed or have been managing for years, we're here with trusted information, tools, and community support.
I have Type 1I have Type 2I'm Pre-diabeticGestationalI'm a Caregiver
Data: Self-identification is the #1 cross-segment priority. No carousel; research confirms nobody clicks past slide 1.
Audience Router
□
I Have Diabetes
Blood sugar tools, nutrition, medications, community support, and resources.
❤️
I Want to Help
Donate, volunteer, start a fundraiser, honor a loved one, or partner with us.
□
I'm a Healthcare Provider
Clinical practice guidelines, patient handouts, screening tools.
Data: Top 3 homepage destinations: Search (12.5K), HCP hub (9.7K), About Diabetes (9.4K).
Quick Access: Top Content by Traffic
□
Tools & Calculators
Interactive health tools
□️
Recipes & Meal Plans
3+ min avg engagement
□
Medications Hub
Ozempic, insulin, GLP-1s
□
Newly Diagnosed
Quick start guide
Mission & Impact
$28M+
Research Funded
11M
Canadians Affected
200+
Studies Supported
1,000+
Camp Attendees/Year
Ways to Give Hub
□
Donate
□️
Tribute
□
Fundraise
□
Volunteer
□
Corporate
□
Clothing
For Healthcare Professionals
FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Clinical Practice Guidelines & Tools
- Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG)
- Quick Reference Guide
- Screening & Diagnosis Tools
- Patient Handouts Library
What's New for HCPs
CPG 2026 updates now available. Chapter 3 and Chapter 13 revised.
Community & Stories
[Personal Story]
[Research Impact]
Research Spotlight: A Cure Gets Closer
Beta cell regeneration findings funded by DC donors.
[D-Camp]
D-Camp Changed My Daughter's Life
A parent's story about camp and confidence.
Cross-Pollination Bar
□
You May Also Need
Discover resources across Diabetes Canada
ToolsMeal PlansNewsletter
Diabetes Canada
- About Us
- Careers
- Contact
Resources
- About Diabetes
- Nutrition
- Tools
Get Involved
- Donate
- Volunteer
- Events
Connect
- Newsletter
- Social
- Community
Wireframe 2: Scenario-Led
Lead with life scenarios and emotional onboarding. Strongest for PWLE journey. Donor and HCP content as dedicated bands.
Why This Is Presented
Research Score: Strong ·PWLE workshops found users think in life scenarios, not topic categories. "I was just diagnosed" and "I manage daily" are stronger entry points than "About Diabetes." Emotional onboarding scores highest in qualitative research.
Strengths: Best PWLE emotional connection; scenario framing matches user mental models; strongest newly diagnosed pathway.
Risks: Page may feel long; sacrifices DC's emotional-first approach for wants-first efficiency; search may be too early/not ready to include.
Navigation Preference: Scenario-Led
Nav should feel journey-oriented. Labels shift from topics to lived experience: "Living with Diabetes" instead of "About Diabetes." You might add "Community" because this wireframe leans into emotional connection and peer support. The nav mirrors the wireframe's philosophy: you're a person going through something, not a visitor browsing a catalogue.
Nav should feel journey-oriented. Labels shift from topics to lived experience: "Living with Diabetes" instead of "About Diabetes." You might add "Community" because this wireframe leans into emotional connection and peer support. The nav mirrors the wireframe's philosophy: you're a person going through something, not a visitor browsing a catalogue.
DIABETES CANADA
Search
Donate
Scenario Hero: Emotional Entry
Where are you in your diabetes journey?
Whether it's day one or year twenty, we have the support, tools, and community you need.
I was just diagnosed
I manage my diabetes daily
I'm starting insulin
I have gestational diabetes
I'm a caregiver
I might be pre-diabetic
My child has diabetes
Data: PWLE research: "Users think in life scenarios, not topic categories." Pre-diabetes (6% of Canadians) gets a dedicated entry.
Self-Identification by Diabetes Type
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Prediabetes
Gestational Diabetes
Caregiver / Family Member
Newly Diagnosed Quick Start
Just Diagnosed? Start Here.
Take a breath. A diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you have more support than you know.
Start Your GuideWatch: Your First Week
[Calming illustration]
Top Content by Search Demand
□
Blood Sugar
7,410 users searched
□
Nutrition & Recipes
6,990 users searched
□
Medications
4,185 users searched
□
Tools & Calculators
Interactive health tools
□
CGMs & Devices
"Life-changing" tech
□
Ramadan & Diabetes
355 searches
□
Mental Health
Missing topic gap
□
Coverage & Costs
Provincial programs
Content Hubs by Search Demand GA4 search categories
Blood Sugar & Management
- Lows & Highs of Blood Sugar
- Hypoglycemia Guide (1,835)
- A1C Explained (769)
- Glycemic Index (1,700)
Medications & Treatments
- Medication Management Hub
- Insulin Guide (1,016)
- GLP-1 Medications
- Financial Assistance & Coverage
Technology & Devices
- CGM Guide
- Insulin Pumps (249)
- Provincial Coverage Finder
- Access to Devices Updates
What's New
- 2026 CPG Update
- Advocacy: Kids with Diabetes in School
- New GLP-1 Resources
- Ramadan & Diabetes (355)
Stories & Community
[Story]
"Type 1 at 45: My unexpected journey"
Mark's story of late-onset diagnosis.
[Event]
Upcoming: Lace Up Walk 2026
Join thousands walking to end diabetes.
[D-Camp]
D-Camps: Where kids are just kids
Summer registration now open.
Mission Impact + Ways to Help
$28M+
Research Funded
11M
Canadians Affected
□
Donate
□️
Tribute
□
Volunteer
□
Fundraise
For Healthcare Professionals
FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Clinical Practice Guidelines & Tools
- 2026 Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Quick Reference Guide
- Screening & Diagnosis
- Patient Handout Library
What's Changed
Chapter 3 and 13 updated. 8 new patient handout PDFs.
Community Connection
□
Newsletter
Monthly tips & updates
□
DC Connect
Online peer community
□️
D-Camps
For kids with diabetes
□
Volunteer
Give your time locally
Need support? Call 1-800-BANTING connecting people to trusted information, referrals, and resources
Cross-Pollination Bar
□
You May Also Need
Resources from across Diabetes Canada
ToolsFind a ProgramNewsletter
Diabetes Canada
- About Us
- Careers
- Contact
Resources
- About Diabetes
- Nutrition
- Tools
Get Involved
- Donate
- Volunteer
- Events
Connect
- Newsletter
- Social
- Community
Wireframe 3: Data-Driven Hybrid ★
Combines search-forward hero with scenario navigation and newly diagnosed spotlight, plus full Ways to Give grid. Every section justified by GA4 data + UX research.
Why This Is Recommended
Research Score: Very Strong ·This option scores highest across all research dimensions because it cherry-picks the strongest elements from every other approach. Search hero (GA4 #1 action), scenario pills (PWLE workshops), newly diagnosed spotlight (buried at #8/13 currently), tools prominence, full giving hub (cancer.ca benchmark).
Strengths: Highest research coverage; search + scenario + tools + giving all addressed; most data-justified architecture.
Risks: Page may feel long; sacrifices DC's emotional-first approach for task-first efficiency; requires search infrastructure investment.
Navigation Preference: Data Hybrid
Every page is a potential front door, and so this nav makes sense from any starting point. It includes defined pathways for each audience, prominent search, and a consistent donate action.
Every page is a potential front door, and so this nav makes sense from any starting point. It includes defined pathways for each audience, prominent search, and a consistent donate action.
DIABETES CANADA
Search diabetes.ca
Donate
1: Search-Forward Hero + Audience Routing GA4: #1 action = search
What do you need help with today?
Search trusted diabetes information, tools, recipes, and resources. Whether it's day one or year twenty, you're not alone.
HypoglycemiaGlycemic IndexRecipesOzempicA1CFinancial Help
I Have Diabetes
Tools, info, nutrition, community
I Want to Help
Donate, volunteer, fundraise, events
I'm a Healthcare Provider
Guidelines, screening, handouts
Just Diagnosed?
Start your quick-start guide
Data: Search = #1 homepage action (12,515 users). Search results = lowest bounce (2-3%). Audience routing on right maintains triage function.
2: Scenario Navigation PWLE: "life moments, not topics"
I was just diagnosed
I manage my diabetes daily
I'm starting insulin
I have gestational diabetes
I'm a caregiver
I might be pre-diabetic
My child has diabetes
Data: PWLE workshops: scenario-based framing. Pre-diabetes (6%) and gestational get dedicated entries. "My child" feeds into D-Camps.
3: Newly Diagnosed Quick Start Buried item 8 of 13
Just Diagnosed? Start Here.
Take a breath. A diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you have more support than you know. Our quick-start guide walks you through your first days and weeks.
Start Your GuideWatch: Your First Week
[Calming illustration]
Need to talk to someone? Call 1-800-BANTING 16,000+ inquiries responded to last year
4: Tools & Calculators Tools drive engagement
□
Diabetes Risk Tools
Assess your risk and take action.
High-traffic interactive content
⚠️
CANRISK Assessment
Type 2 diabetes risk check.
Pre-diabetes screening
□️
Meal Planner & Recipes
Meal plans, glycemic index, carb counting.
6,990 nutrition searches
5: Content Hubs by Search Demand GA4 search categories
Blood Sugar & Management
- Lows & Highs of Blood Sugar
- Hypoglycemia Guide (1,835)
- A1C Explained (769)
- Glycemic Index (1,700)
Medications & Treatments
- Medication Management Hub
- Insulin Guide (1,016)
- GLP-1 Medications
- Financial Assistance & Coverage
Technology & Devices
- CGM Guide
- Insulin Pumps (249)
- Provincial Coverage Finder
- Access to Devices Updates
What's New
- 2026 CPG Update
- Advocacy: Kids with Diabetes in School
- New GLP-1 Resources
- Ramadan & Diabetes (355)
6: Impact + Ways to Give Hub cancer.ca benchmark
$173M+
Research Since 1975
66+
Active Projects
16K+
BANTING Inquiries/Yr
12K+
Kitchen Participants
□
Donate
One-time or monthly
□️
Tribute
Honor a loved one
□
Fundraise
Lace Up & events
□
Volunteer
Give your time
□
Corporate
Workplace giving
□
Clothing
60K sessions/year
7: For Healthcare Professionals #2 destination: 9,721 users
FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Clinical Practice Guidelines & Tools
- CPG 2026
- Quick Reference Guide (62.8% key event rate)
- Screening & Diagnosis
- Patient Handout Library
- Professional Development
What's Changed
Chapter 3 and 13 revised. 8 new patient handout PDFs. GLP-1 guidance updated.
5:36 avg engagement on CPG
8: Community & Stories
[Personal Story]
"How I learned to live well with Type 2"
Sarah's journey from diagnosis to management.
[Research]
Research Spotlight: A Cure Gets Closer
Beta cell findings funded by DC donors.
[D-Camp]
D-Camps: Where Kids Are Just Kids
Summer registration is open.
9: Social & Events (Functional Design) Brand awareness + event promotion
Upcoming Events
MAR
15
15
Lace Up Walk 2026
Toronto · In Person
APR
02
02
Virtual Diabetes Education
Online · Free Registration
JUN
20
20
D-Camps Summer Registration
Multiple Locations · Ages 7-16
View All Events →
From Our Community
[Video Thumbnail]
▶
[Video Thumbnail]
▶
Facebook
Instagram
X / Twitter
YouTube
LinkedIn
Join 95K+ followers across platforms
Functional design: This block promotes events, video content, and social channels to drive brand awareness and community engagement. Events are dynamically populated; video thumbnails link to YouTube/social. Social links drive cross-platform traffic and newsletter sign-ups.
10: Cross-Pollination Bar
□
You May Also Need
Discover resources across Diabetes Canada
ToolsMeal PlansFind SupportNewsletter
Diabetes Canada
- About Us
- Careers
- Contact
- Newsroom
Resources
- About Diabetes
- Nutrition & Recipes
- Tools & Calculators
- Research
Get Involved
- Donate
- Volunteer
- Events
- Corporate Partners
Connect
- 1-800-BANTING
- Newsletter
- Social Media
- Online Community
Alternate: Future State (Search-Forward)
Lead with search + audience routing in a combined hero. Tool-first content blocks reflect actual traffic patterns.
Why This Is an Alternate
Research Score: Future State ·This is the most search-forward approach and directly addresses the #1 homepage action (12,515 users). However, it requires mature search infrastructure (federated search, autosuggest, content tagging) that DC doesn't yet have. The core search concept is absorbed into the Data Hybrid (Option 3) hero.
Strengths: Directly addresses #1 user action; auto-suggest drives exploration; search results have lowest bounce (2-3%).
Risks: Requires search platform investment; functional-first at expense of emotional tone; may alienate donors who don't "search."
Navigation Preference: Future State (Search-Forward)
Nav is minimal by design; the entire architecture bets on search as the primary wayfinding tool. The nav exists almost as a safety net for users who don't want to search. Labels might be more action-oriented ("Manage My Diabetes") because this wireframe assumes users know what they want and just need to find it fast.
Nav is minimal by design; the entire architecture bets on search as the primary wayfinding tool. The nav exists almost as a safety net for users who don't want to search. Labels might be more action-oriented ("Manage My Diabetes") because this wireframe assumes users know what they want and just need to find it fast.
Alternate Wireframe: This concept is shown for completeness. Its core search-forward hero is incorporated into Wireframe 3 (Data Hybrid). Full implementation requires search infrastructure investment.
DIABETES CANADA
Search diabetes.ca
Donate
Search-Forward Hero + Audience Routing
What do you need help with today?
Search our library of trusted diabetes information, tools, recipes, and resources.
HypoglycemiaGlycemic IndexRecipesOzempicA1C
Living with Diabetes
Tools, info, recipes, community
Ways to Help
Donate, volunteer, events
Healthcare Providers
Guidelines, handouts, tools
Just Diagnosed?
Start your quick-start guide
Data: Search is the #1 homepage action (12,515 users). Search results = lowest bounce on entire site (2-3%).
Tools & Calculators: Traffic Magnets
□
Diabetes Risk Tools
Assess your risk and take action.
High-traffic interactive content
⚠️
CANRISK Assessment
Type 2 diabetes risk check.
Pre-diabetes screening
❤️
Heart & Stroke Risk
Cardiovascular risk factors.
Cross-pollination opportunity
Personalize Your Experience
I have Type 1
I have Type 2
Prediabetes
Gestational
Caregiver / Family
Content Hubs by Search Demand
Blood Sugar & Management
- Hypoglycemia Guide (1,835)
- A1C Explained (769)
- Glycemic Index (1,700)
- Ketones & DKA (599)
Nutrition & Recipes
- Recipe Collection (3:34 avg)
- 7-Day Meal Plans
- Carb Counting (212)
- Ramadan & Diabetes (355)
Medications & Treatments
- Insulin Guide (1,016)
- Metformin (402)
- GLP-1 Medications
- Medication Access
Technology & Devices
- CGM Guide
- Insulin Pumps (249)
- Provincial Coverage
- Financial Assistance
Impact & Ways to Give
$28M+
Research Funded
11M
Canadians Affected
200+
Studies Supported
1,000+
Camp Attendees
□
Donate
□️
Tribute
□
Events
□
Volunteer
□
Corporate
□
Clothing
For Healthcare Professionals
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Guidelines, Tools & Patient Resources
- Clinical Practice Guidelines 2026
- Quick Reference Guide
- Screening & Diagnosis
- Patient Handout Library
Latest Updates
3 chapters revised, 8 new patient handouts.
Community & Stories
[Story]
"Living well at 70 with Type 2"
George's 20-year management journey.
[Research]
Research Breakthrough
New beta cell regeneration findings.
[Event]
Lace Up 2026: Register Now
Walk, run, or ride to end diabetes.
Cross-Pollination Bar
□
Explore More
Discover resources across Diabetes Canada
Newly DiagnosedRecipesNewsletter
Diabetes Canada
- About Us
- Careers
- Contact
Resources
- About Diabetes
- Nutrition
- Research
Get Involved
- Donate
- Volunteer
- Events
Connect
- Newsletter
- Social
- Community
Alternate: DC Requested (DC Vision Refined)
Follows DC's 7-block homepage structure and grounding statement hierarchy (Emotional connection → Clear pathways → Trust building → Proof of action → Ongoing connection).
Why This Is an Alternate
Research Score: Moderate ·This wireframe directly follows DC's 7-block brief and grounding statement, making it the most brand-aligned option. However, it deprioritizes search (#1 user action) and scenario navigation (strongest PWLE research finding). Emotionally strong but functionally weaker than data-driven options.
Strengths: Full DC brief alignment; all departments feel heard in their own area; brand/mission positioning; campaign flexibility; research showcase.
Risks: Search deprioritized to nav-only; no scenario navigation; leads with org priorities over user needs; may not convert task-oriented visitors. May not solve the problem of 97% new users lacking repeat.
Navigation Preference: DC Requested
Most traditional and brand-forward. This wireframe honours DC's brief which resemble standard charity categories. It's the "comfortable and familiar" nav that doesn't challenge existing mental models.
Most traditional and brand-forward. This wireframe honours DC's brief which resemble standard charity categories. It's the "comfortable and familiar" nav that doesn't challenge existing mental models.
Alternate Wireframe: DC Requested: This concept follows DC's 7-block brief verbatim. Shown to honour DC's vision while demonstrating the trade-offs against data-driven approaches.
DIABETES CANADA
Search diabetes.ca
Donate
Block 1: Hero (Above the Fold) DC Brief: Block 1
Diabetes Canada
Managing diabetes takes strength most people never see. And no one should have to be resilient alone.
We're here to walk alongside the 4 million people in Canada living with diabetes with practical tools, trusted information, and community for a future without it.
Find Resources
I Was Just Diagnosed
I'm a Healthcare Provider
I Want to Help
DC Brief: Hero copy from grounding statement. "Immediately orient visitors, establish emotional tone, direct into clear pathways." Research: Added audience routing CTAs (#1 cross-segment priority) and "Just Diagnosed" entry.
Block 2: Personalized Pathways DC Brief: Block 2
□
I Have Diabetes
Blood sugar tools, nutrition, medications, community support.
❤️
I Want to Help
Donate, volunteer, fundraise, honor a loved one.
□
I'm a Healthcare Provider
Guidelines, patient handouts, screening tools.
Type 1
Type 2
Prediabetes
Gestational
Caregiver / Family
DC Brief: "Reduce overwhelm and help users self-identify quickly." Research: Self-ID by type from workshops. GA4 confirms top 3 destinations.
Block 3: Our Role as Trusted Partner DC Brief: Block 3
Walking alongside 4 million Canadians living with diabetes
We're not here to be the hero. We're here to be a trusted partner connecting people with practical tools, proven research, and a community that understands. Every three minutes, one person in Canada is diagnosed with diabetes.
Watch Our Story
Donate Now
$173M+
Research since 1975
16K+
BANTING inquiries/yr
66+
Active projects
12K+
Kitchen participants
Block 4: Fundraise CTA DC Brief: Block 4
Year-End Giving: Help Fund the Future Beyond Diabetes
Your gift powers research, D-Camps, and critical support for 4 million Canadians.
□
Donate
One-time or monthly
□️
Tribute
Honor a loved one
□
Fundraise
Lace Up & events
□
Volunteer
Give your time
□
Corporate
Workplace giving
□
Clothing
60K sessions/year
Block 5: Research & Innovation DC Brief: Block 5
□
Our Research Strategy
Prevention, treatment, complications, and cure.
Explore →□
Currently Funded Projects
66+ active projects spanning diabetes science.
See current research →□□
Researcher Spotlight
Meet the scientists working toward a future beyond diabetes.
Read profiles →Block 6: What's New DC Brief: Block 6
What's New
- 2026 CPG Update
- Advocacy Win: Kids in School
- New GLP-1 Resources
- Access to Devices Updates
- Rights of People with Diabetes
Upcoming Events
- Virtual Diabetes Education
- Apron Strings Gala: Toronto
- D-Camps Summer Registration
- In the Kitchen Series
- Lace Up Walk 2026
Block 7: Community Connection DC Brief: Block 7
□
Newsletter
Monthly tips & updates
□
DC Connect
Online peer community
□️
D-Camps
For kids with diabetes
□
Volunteer
Give your time locally
Need support? Call 1-800-BANTING connecting people to trusted information, referrals, and resources
For Healthcare Professionals HCP = #2 destination
FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Clinical Practice Guidelines & Tools
- CPG 2026
- Quick Reference Guide (62.8%)
- Screening & Diagnosis
- Patient Handout Library
- Professional Development
What's Changed
Chapter 3 and 13 revised. 8 new handout PDFs.
5:36 avg engagement on CPG
Cross-Pollination Bar 99.8% recipe exit rate
□
You May Also Need
Discover resources across Diabetes Canada
ToolsMeal PlansFind SupportNewsletter
Diabetes Canada
- About Us
- Careers
- Contact
- Newsroom
Resources
- About Diabetes
- Nutrition & Recipes
- Tools & Calculators
- Research
Get Involved
- Donate
- Volunteer
- Events
- Corporate Partners
Connect
- 1-800-BANTING
- Newsletter
- Social Media
- Online Community
All 5 Options: Comparison Matrix
How each option addresses the combined requirements from DC's homepage brief, GA4 analytics, and UX research synthesis. Primary wireframes in bold; alternates in italic.
| Requirement | 1: Pathway Selector | 2: Scenario | 3: Hybrid ★ | Future State | DC Requested |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Search Prominence #1 action: 12,515 |
● Nav only | ● Nav only | ✔ Hero | ✔ Hero | ● Nav only |
| Emotional First Impression DC: "exhale" |
● Warm | ✔ Journey | ● Task-first | ● Task-first | ✔ Grounding |
| Audience Routing #1 priority |
✔ 3 cards | ● Type IDs | ✔ Hero + pills | ✔ Hero panel | ✔ 3 cards |
| Scenario Navigation PWLE: life moments |
✘ | ✔ Primary | ✔ Dedicated | ● Panel btn | ✘ |
| Newly Diagnosed Buried #8/13 |
● Card | ✔ Spotlight | ✔ Spotlight + BANTING | ● Panel btn | ✔ Spotlight + BANTING |
| Tools Visibility Tools drive engagement |
✔ Grid | ● In topics | ✔ Dedicated | ✔ Dedicated | ✔ Grid |
| Mission / Brand DC: Trusted Partner |
● Stats | ● Combined | ✔ In Give Section | ● Stats | ✔ Dedicated block |
| Campaign CTA DC: Block 4 |
✘ | ✘ | ✔ In Give Hub | ✘ | ✔ Swappable banner |
| Ways to Give cancer.ca benchmark |
✔ 6-card | ● 4-card | ✔ 6-card | ✔ 6-card | ✔ 6-card |
| Research Snapshot DC: Block 5 |
✘ | ✘ | ✔ In Give Hub + Stories | ✘ | ✔ 3-card section |
| What's New DC: Block 6 |
✔ Column | ● Partial | ✔ Hub block | ✔ Hub block | ✔ 2-col news+events |
| HCP Section #2 dest: 9,721 |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Community / Newsletter DC: Block 7 |
✔ Stories | ✔ Stories | ✔ Stories | ✔ Stories | ✔ 4-card + BANTING |
| Cross-Pollination 99.8% exit rate |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Content by Search Demand GA4 categories |
● Links | ✔ 8-card + hubs | ✔ 4 hubs | ✔ 4 hubs | ● Partial |
| DC Grounding Statement "Seen. Supported." |
● | ● | ● Functional | ● | ✔ Full alignment |
The Core Tension
Option 3 (Data Hybrid) leads with what users do: search, find tools, navigate by scenario. It's the most data-driven and task-efficient. It lacks research depth.
DC Requested (DC Vision) leads with how DC wants users to feel: seen, supported, empowered. It delivers the grounding statement, mission story, campaign flexibility, and research showcase. But it deprioritizes search and scenario navigation.
The classic UX question: do you lead with what users want, or what the organization needs to communicate? Options 1 and 2 each represent one angle. Option 3 is the strongest data-driven composite. The alternates round out the picture.
Recommended Path Forward
Use DC Requested's emotional hero (grounding statement, warm tone) with a prominent search bar embedded inside it (from Option 3). Follow with DC's audience pathways + Option 3's newly diagnosed spotlight, then Option 3's tools section and content hubs, then DC's Trusted Partner block, campaign CTA, research snapshot, and community connection. This delivers DC's brand promise while putting search and tools where the data says users need them.
Homepage Approach Landscape: Full Defence
We evaluated 11 distinct homepage architecture approaches against GA4 data, UX research synthesis, and the DC brief. This table explains why each approach was presented, offered as an alternate, or excluded.
| # | Approach | Status | Research Score | Strengths | Risks | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pathway Selector | PRESENTED | Strong | Clearest audience triage; scalable; lowest cognitive load | May feel generic; doesn't address search prominence | GA4 confirms audience routing = #1 cross-segment priority. Hub pages = 3-7% bounce vs 35-88%. Classic charity IA. |
| 2 | Scenario-Led | PRESENTED | Strong | Best PWLE emotional connection; scenario framing; newly diagnosed | Deprioritizes donor/HCP; search secondary | PWLE workshops: "life moments not topics." Strongest qualitative research support for emotional onboarding. |
| 3 | Data Hybrid ★ | PRESENTED | Very Strong | Highest research coverage; search + scenario + tools + giving | Page may feel long; task-first over emotion | Cherry-picks strongest elements from all approaches. Every section has GA4 or research justification. |
| 4 | Search-Forward | ALTERNATE | Future State | Directly addresses #1 user action; lowest bounce content | Requires search platform investment; functional-first | Core search hero absorbed into Data Hybrid. Full version requires federated search, autosuggest, content tagging DC doesn't yet have. |
| 5 | DC Vision Refined | ALTERNATE | Moderate | Full DC brief alignment; strongest brand positioning; campaign flex | Search deprioritized; no scenarios; org-first | Follows DC's 7-block brief verbatim. Emotionally strong but functionally weaker. Shown to honour DC's vision. |
| 6 | Tool-First | NOT SHOWN | Narrow | Tools drive engagement; interactive content performs well | Ignores 80% of visitors; no emotional connection | Tools are a component, not an architecture. Tool traffic is largely SEO-driven, not homepage-driven. Tools section is included in Options 1-3. |
| 7 | Community-Led | NOT SHOWN | Narrow | Peer support is powerful; builds loyalty | Only 12% of traffic is return visits; community is niche | Community is a component, not an architecture. 97% new users won't engage with community features on first visit. Stories/community section included in all options. |
| 8 | Editorial / Magazine | NOT SHOWN | Weak | Engaging for return visitors; content freshness signals | Requires constant editorial staff; 97% new users don't care about "what's new" | Operationally unsustainable for a charity. Requires dedicated editorial team. Content freshness matters for SEO, not homepage IA. |
| 9 | Campaign-Driven | NOT SHOWN | Narrow | Campaign flexibility; donor-focused; seasonal agility | Homepage becomes a billboard; alienates PWLE; content rot; proven ineffective | Campaigns are a component (banner/CTA), not an architecture. DC Requested includes a dedicated campaign banner block. |
| 10 | Condition-Centric | NOT SHOWN | Moderate | Clear for PWLE who know their condition; medical credibility | Alienates pre-diagnosis, caregivers, donors, HCPs | This is a navigation strategy (Nav Option 2), not a homepage architecture. Self-ID by condition type is included in Scenarios and Pathway Selector. |
| 11 | Portal / Personalized | NOT SHOWN | Future State | Best possible UX; tailored content; progressive profiling | Requires auth system, CRM, personalization engine; massive investment | Aspirational but requires infrastructure DC doesn't have. CRM integration, content tagging, advanced personalization, potential Login/profile. Future roadmap item, not 2026 homepage. |
Summary
Of the 11 possible approaches, 3 are presented as primary wireframes (strongest research backing across multiple dimensions), 2 are shown as reference (valuable but either require future infrastructure or prioritize org goals over users), and 6 are excluded because they are either components absorbed into the presented wireframes (Tool-First, Community-Led, Campaign-Driven), navigation strategies rather than homepage architectures (Condition-Centric), operationally unsustainable (Editorial), or require infrastructure investment beyond current scope (Personalized, AI-Centric Search).