pharmaSuisse adopts Drupal-based charting system for annual healthcare data publication

Digital publication of statistical reports introduces requirements that differ significantly from print production. For its annual Fakten & Zahlen publication, pharmaSuisse implemented a web-based system built with Drupal and blökkli to support responsive data visualisation, ongoing updates, and structured editorial management of healthcare and pharmacy-related statistics, according to a case study published by Liip.

The project addressed a key limitation of the previous print workflow: annual data could only be distributed in fixed editions. A digital approach allows datasets and visualisations to be updated throughout the year while remaining accessible through web channels. Working alongside design agency Usable Brands, the implementation team adapted existing print visualisations into reusable digital components designed to handle a wide range of charting scenarios.

One challenge during development was the absence of final datasets. Visualisations were initially tested using data from previous editions, while requirements evolved as new information became available. This required chart components that could accommodate changing structures and varying data volumes without extensive redesign.

The resulting system supports multiple visualisation formats, including donut charts, bar charts, icon charts, line charts, and interactive maps. The implementation follows a mobile-first approach, adapting chart layouts and interactions for different screen sizes while maintaining access to the same underlying data.

The project also extended the blökkli editorial interface with tools for chart creation and management. Editors can upload structured datasets, including CSV files, and configure visualisations through predefined colour palettes, positioning controls, and presentation settings. The workflow is intended to reduce manual design work while maintaining consistency with organisational design guidelines.

Additional editorial features include PDF export capabilities for chart collections and manual page-break controls for publication layout. These tools support both digital distribution and printable outputs generated from the same structured data source.

The platform is now being used to publish healthcare statistics on an ongoing basis. Future development is expected to focus on improvements to chart interaction patterns and readability, reflecting lessons learned from the first implementation cycle.