Finding the Balance: Designing the Latest Issue of the UM Miller School of Medicine Magazine
The latest issue of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Magazine is now live, and this one came with a new set of creative and technical challenges. As always, our goal was to translate a richly designed print magazine into a digital experience that feels cohesive, accessible, and visually engaging—without losing the essence of the original layout. It’s a balancing act between design fidelity, usability, and collaboration.
DAte
May 12, 2025
Category
Design
Reading Time
5 min
A Complex Layout, Reimagined for the Web
Some of the feature articles in this issue broke the mold—using layered imagery, nonlinear text placements, and dense visual storytelling. While these make for striking print designs, they don’t always translate easily to responsive web formats. To bring these layouts to life online, we needed to get creative. We built new layout patterns, tweaked existing components, and tested dozens of variations to find solutions that preserved the feel of the original while still functioning seamlessly across screen sizes.
Doing More with Less
One of the biggest constraints this round was the limited number of digital assets provided. Unlike previous issues, which included custom artwork and photography, this one relied heavily on text. That meant our job was not just about layout—it was about storytelling through structure. We had to think carefully about hierarchy, spacing, and rhythm to keep users engaged. When images are sparse, the way you present copy becomes critical: clean formatting, subtle animations, and intuitive navigation all worked together to elevate the content.
Prioritizing Flexibility in UX
Good UX is about clarity, accessibility, and flow—but it also needs to be flexible. In this project, we found that the “best” UX decision wasn’t always the one that aligned with textbook standards. Instead, it was the one that balanced editorial intent with digital behavior. We leaned into flexibility, crafting components that could bend without breaking—and still deliver an experience that felt intentional.
Collaboration Is the Real Key
One of the most important lessons from this project: listen to your client. Throughout the build, the editorial team brought thoughtful feedback and raised concerns we hadn’t anticipated. We didn’t just respond—we adapted. Even when some requests conflicted with standard UX practices, our job was to find smart compromises that made everyone happy. At Aegis Digital, we believe success means delivering a product the client feels great about—even if it takes a few extra rounds of refinement to get there.
Author