We spent time reviewing other websites that offer sexual health kits online to gather a set of opinions on what we may like to do, not do, or consider doing with SH24.

We explored commercial/private sector services (including Confidante and Dr Thom) and NHS public sector services (such as Buckinghamshire Chlamydia Screening Programme and R U Clear).

Here are some key findings that we will use to help shape SH24:

To do

Be clear what the site offers and to whom on home page
Show a diagram of each step and the expected timings of the process of using the service
Display images of the exterior package, contents of the kit and examples of results messages
Make the process feel as easy as internet shopping, this may also encourage repeat use
Take the user somewhere once order is complete, don’t return to the start. Share things that are useful, enabling and make the user feel good.

Not to do

Don’t offer too many options, it is confusing, off putting and time consuming
Don’t send lots of confirmation emails/messages, one will do
Avoid having ‘STI’ and other related words largely present on the site
Don’t pick on weaknesses of the users e.g ‘no one will recognise you going into a clinic’ ‘avoid embarrassing examinations and unwanted questions’ (as these statements add to the existing stigma of STI testing)
Don’t be inconsistent in tone / offer / advice.

To consider

Using the word patient / user / customer? (Being called a patient can make people feel like there is something wrong with them, customer relates to purchases and user can feel impersonal)
Decide what information / signposting to offer those that don’t qualify for SH24 (under 16's and those that live outside Southwark and Lambeth)
Having a ‘hide this webpage’ button, that turns the current page to Google in one click
Using headings like '10 quick points' so that information feels digestible and worth reading
Personalising the page e.g ‘hello Mollie’.