Axpa-Connext – A Digital Peer Support Platform for People Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Innovation
Living with ankylosing spondylitis (Morbus Bechterew) raises many questions – about symptoms, treatments, medication, or everyday life. With Axpa-Connext, the German Ankylosing Spondylitis Association (DVMB) created a secure digital space for people affected to share experiences, ask questions, and support one another – confidentially, independently of location, and with trust.
The Assignment
With nearly 13,000 members, DVMB aimed to connect people with ankylosing spondylitis across regions. The goal was to develop a digital exchange platform where those affected could engage in trusted discussions on health-related topics—such as disease progression, impacts on professional and private life, experiences with doctors, or medications. The platform Axpa-Connext was designed in close collaboration with users, with a particular focus on accessibility, data protection, user-friendliness, and resource efficiency.
Our Approach
1. Needs Assessment & Target Group Research
Through workshops and interviews with DVMB members and regional coordinators, we identified key user needs, challenges, and expectations for digital peer support tools.
2. Co-Creative Platform Design
We co-developed the structure of Axpa-Connext with affected users – including topic-based discussion spaces, confidential communication channels, and clearly defined features to enable safe, meaningful interaction.
3. UX/UI with Focus on Accessibility & Ease of Use
The platform was designed to be easy to navigate and low-barrier: clear menus, readable design, accessible language, and technical standards that make it usable for older or less digitally experienced members.
4. Technology Evaluation & Resource-Efficient Implementation
We assessed open-source solutions such as HumHub and Discourse, both offering stable, GDPR-compliant, and user-friendly environments for closed community platforms. The selected solution met DVMB’s accessibility, data protection, and efficiency criteria while allowing for future expansion.
The Result
Axpa-Connext was successfully launched and now complements DVMB’s support offerings with a digital meeting space. It enables members to connect, support each other, and build a sense of community – regardless of location or physical mobility. Especially for those without access to a local support group, the platform opens new paths to participation. It strengthens digital inclusion, boosts health literacy, and increases DVMB’s visibility in the digital space – all with a highly efficient use of resources.
- User research & needs analysis with DVMB members
- UX concept & platform design
- Technology assessment & advisory on cost-effective implementation
- Launch support & community activation
