HPV Vaccination
As the Visual Designer for this CDC HPV vaccination infographic, I approached the project as a storytelling challenge—turning complex medical statistics into a clear, human-centered narrative that could resonate with both caregivers and the general public. The core objective was to show that cervical cancer is only the “tip of the iceberg,” while reinforcing the broader message that HPV vaccination is the most effective prevention tool against multiple cancers. To achieve this, I framed the design around a visual metaphor—the iceberg—because it intuitively conveys the idea of hidden risk beneath the surface.
My role extended beyond aesthetics into information architecture and project management: working with subject-matter experts to prioritize key messages, shaping a hierarchy that moved from awareness to impact, and ensuring the layout flowed like a guided conversation. I leaned on a clean healthcare-inspired palette of blues for trust, with bold accent colors to distinguish sections and highlight the “90% prevention” callout. Typography choices emphasized readability and authority, while scaled data bubbles created instant comprehension of the cancer burden across body sites.
The outcome is a design that feels both accessible and authoritative—a visual story that empowers caregivers, patients, and clinicians to connect prevention with action through vaccination.
- Client: CDC Communications
- Role: Visual Design, Layout, Illustration
- Tools: Adobe Illustrator
- Deliverable: Print-ready Flyer
I designed this HPV vaccination infographic for two primary audiences: caregivers and young adults making vaccine decisions, and clinicians who need a fast, visual aid to guide conversations. My goals were to translate complex cancer statistics into a story people can grasp in seconds, spotlight prevention over fear, and align tightly with CDC credibility. Success meant three things: immediate comprehension of “why HPV vaccine,” a clear sense of scale across cancer types, and a memorable call to action that drives vaccination at the recommended ages.
I framed the narrative with an iceberg metaphor,what’s visible (cervical cancer) is only the tip; the larger burden sits below the surface. A cool blue palette signals healthcare and stability, while targeted accent colors (orange/purple) differentiate sections and pull focus to key concepts. Circular “data bubbles” sized and stacked by estimated cases create an intuitive hierarchy. I used accessible, high-contrast typography and plain-language microcopy to support readability. Dotted leader lines and consistent iconography guide the eye, and the “PREVENT OVER 90%” panel functions as a conversion trigger and headline proof point. All choices observe 508 accessibility and print/digital versatility.
I built a modular grid with four functional zones:
- Hero Header:Primary claim (“HPV vaccination…”) establishes value immediately.
- Left Narrative Column: Three stacked story cards—Cervical Cancer (tip), Cervical Precancers, Other Cancers—each with concise explainer text.
- Right Data Column: Scaled circles with labels (throat, anus, vulva, penis, vagina) visualize burden at a glance.
- Bottom Bar:High-impact prevention stat, sources, CDC branding, and URL for next steps. Spacing and alignment maintain a smooth Z-pattern scan across print or screen.
By structuring it this way, the panels flow like a conversation with the patient—first awareness, then detail, then resources.
The piece turns abstract epidemiology into a clear prevention narrative. In usability reviews, viewers recalled the “90% prevention” message and correctly named multiple HPV-related cancers within seconds. Clinicians reported it as a strong conversation starter, especially for hesitant caregivers. The design ships cleanly for posters, clinic handouts, and social crops, reinforcing CDC leadership while driving informed vaccination decisions.
