A Tool Against the Invisible
Synthetic drugs are one of the greatest—and most elusive—challenges of our time. They reshape markets, threaten healthcare systems, and confront governments with problems that know no borders. So how do you tackle something that’s invisible, global, and constantly evolving?
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime chose to confront this challenge with knowledge – and with design.
Knowledge that Drives Impact
Developed as part of the UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy, the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs brings together research, expertise, and practical recommendations from over 300,000 experts worldwide – providing tools for a more strategic and coordinated response to synthetic drugs.
It was developed to equip professionals in law enforcement, policy, and science with the tools they need to respond to synthetic drugs strategically and collaboratively.
In close collaboration with denovo, responsible for technical project management and development, moodley guided the creation of this platform – from conceptual foundation to design system, UX, and quality assurance.
When Design Becomes Strategy
On a topic of such global significance, design is far more than aesthetics – it becomes a strategic instrument. Because where knowledge is power, design is what makes that power accessible and actionable.
The goal was to build a modular, user-centered system that structures complex information, makes connections visible, and intuitively guides users. Through thoughtful UX and UI design, the platform turns knowledge into orientation, trust, and impact.
Clarity as Responsibility
In this context, good design isn’t about making things prettier – it’s about making them work.
A clear information architecture reduces cognitive barriers, while visual precision builds trust – essential when content is used by global authorities, researchers, and decision-makers.
The fully responsive web app allows users to filter content by profession and geographic context – creating their own personal toolkit for everyday use.
Collaboration Beyond Borders
What began as a UN initiative has evolved into a digital ecosystem that connects institutions and individuals across continents.
A system that doesn’t just share knowledge – but enables collaboration. And in doing so, it shows what design, at its best, can achieve:
creating clarity where complexity rules.
This project demonstrates that design, in complex global contexts, doesn’t decorate – it enables. It translates expertise into accessibility, data into meaning, and makes impact tangible. When design becomes a strategic tool, it can make the invisible visible.
Links
UNODC: Cracking the Case – UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs
syntheticdrugs.unodc.org
