SUCCEED

Background and Challenge

Up to 90 percent of colorectal cancers and related deaths are considered preventable. In addition to regular screenings, lifestyle factors—such as exercise and maintaining a healthy weight—play a crucial role in lowering patients’ risk of developing colorectal cancer or experiencing recurrence.

To help patients adopt and sustain healthy habits, SOM Tech collaborated with a UCSF clinical team led by Dr. Van Blarigan to develop SUCCEED, a patient-centered website offering educational resources and expert guidance. The platform includes practical healthy eating tips, recipes, and tools for setting dietary goals and tracking progress over time.

Setting Personal Health Goals

We created initial wireframes based on stakeholder and patient advisory input, then gathered user feedback to ensure the design aligned with patient needs and expectations. Insights from patient advocates shaped website updates and new features, alongside patient-centered language to make content clear and approachable.

The platform includes goal-setting tools grounded in evidence-based recommendations, as well as tracking and progress functionality to help patients stay engaged with their health goals. To further support motivation, we integrated a 12-week Twilio messaging program that delivers reminders and encouragement.

Developed with thorough user and stakeholder input, SUCCEED is a welcoming, accessible platform that empowers colorectal cancer patients to take proactive steps toward long-term health. Built on Drupal and Salesforce, it combines user-friendly functionality with evidence-based guidance, while also allowing UCSF clinical teams to easily manage and update content as recommendations evolve.

Tracking Progress

Outcomes and Impact

The SUCCEED clinical study is ongoing and has already demonstrated positive results. UCSF clinicians are now better equipped to help patients adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles, directly supporting the prevention of colorectal cancer recurrence. The platform also gives clinicians a continuous, accurate way to monitor patient progress and intervene as needed.

Beyond this project, Dr. Van Blarigan’s research shows that colorectal cancer patients who maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and follow a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables face a significantly lower risk of recurrence or death.

My Work

UX: collaborated with stakeholders to understand target users content and style preferences iterated based on patient feedback
Wireframed and designed interactions
Built prototypes
Designed website, icons, and visual identity
Created marketing collateral—handouts and postcards
Developed style guide and collaborated with vendors