Cannabis.org was conceptualized as a supplementary platform to its counterpart, Weed.com, but with a concentrated emphasis on an older demographic and the content tailored to their needs and interests.
The objective was to cater to this specific age group by providing resources and information on the therapeutic and medicinal use of cannabis, debunking myths, and promoting safe usage. A user-friendly interface was prioritized to ensure accessibility. The project aimed at portraying cannabis in a positive light for those seeking natural alternative therapies.
Facing a mature audience required a thoughtful approach to design and content. There were misconceptions and apprehensions about cannabis among this demographic, making it challenging to present it as a viable health supplement. Additionally, ensuring the website interface was easy to navigate for non-tech-savvy users was another hurdle.
The project needed to strike a balance between delivering comprehensive information about cannabis, breaking down stereotypes, and maintaining a simple and clear presentation to facilitate an intuitive user experience.
The project commenced with in-depth research on the target demographic to understand their preferences and apprehensions regarding cannabis. This was followed by user experience (UX) designing to make it beginner-friendly. The content strategy prioritized comprehensive, clear, and straightforward information about the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, aiming to debunk common myths while promoting responsible use. This multi-faceted approach helped us design a platform that was not only user-friendly but also instrumental in fostering a positive image of cannabis among the older population.
An essential feature of the website was a dedicated section profiling medical professionals who advocated for the use of cannabis as a therapeutic alternative. These profiles featured physicians who had extensive experience and knowledge in the field. They provided authoritative voices to the narrative, substantiating the site's content with their expertise.
This feature proved instrumental in building trust among the users, by validating the therapeutic benefits of cannabis through their testimonies, and contributed significantly to achieving our goal of reducing stigma associated with cannabis use.
The Cannabis.org project was successful in creating a platform that engaged the older demographic, educated them about the safe and therapeutic use of cannabis, and broke down pre-existing stereotypes. The design was user-friendly, the content was comprehensive, and the testimonials from experienced physicians lent credibility, thereby assuaging any apprehensions. By focusing on the unique needs and concerns of this demographic, the website was able to foster an environment of trust and openness, promoting a positive perception of cannabis use in the older population.