Biosafety Manual Redesign

Executive Overview

The University of Brasília (UnB), one of Brazil’s leading academic institutions, required the redesign of an existing biosafety manual used for internal guidance and operational protocols.

The original document existed as a long Word file containing extensive technical information. While the content itself was essential, its presentation made it difficult to read and navigate, especially given the complexity of biosafety guidelines.

The objective of the project was not to rewrite the content, but to transform the document into a clear, structured, and visually accessible publication without compromising the integrity of the information.

The Challenge

Biosafety manuals contain detailed technical procedures that must remain precise and complete.

However, when presented in long, dense blocks of text, the information becomes difficult to absorb and discourages engagement from readers.

The challenge was to redesign the document in a way that would:

• preserve the technical accuracy of the content

• improve readability and navigation

• reduce visual fatigue

• create a more structured and intuitive reading experience

The goal was clarity, not simplification.

Design Approach

The redesign focused on transforming the document from a text-heavy report into a structured editorial publication.

Key strategies included:

Information Hierarchy

The content was reorganized using a clearer hierarchy of titles, subtitles, and paragraphs. This structure allowed readers to quickly identify sections and understand how information was organized.

White Space and Layout Balance

One of the most impactful changes was the introduction of intentional white space.

By creating breathing room between sections, paragraphs, and visual elements, the layout reduced cognitive load and made the document significantly easier to read.

Visual Guidance

Illustrations and infographics were integrated throughout the manual to support the written content.

These visual elements helped clarify procedures, reinforce key information, and guide readers through complex topics more intuitively.

Color System

Color was introduced strategically to improve orientation and navigation within the document.

Different sections were visually distinguished, allowing readers to quickly locate relevant topics while maintaining a consistent and professional visual language aligned with an academic institution.

Information Design

The project relied heavily on information design principles, translating dense technical material into structured visual communication.

Text blocks were broken into smaller sections, key concepts were highlighted, and visual diagrams were used to simplify complex procedures.

The result was a document that preserved its technical rigor while becoming significantly more approachable and easier to navigate.

Outcome

The redesigned manual transformed a dense technical document into a structured and visually engaging publication.

By improving hierarchy, spacing, and visual support, the manual became more accessible for readers while maintaining the precision required for biosafety guidelines.

The project demonstrates how thoughtful editorial design can enhance the usability and clarity of technical documentation without altering its content.

My Role

• Editorial Design

• Information Design

• Layout System Development

• Infographic Integration