Center for Health Communications Research

At the Center for Health Communications Research (CHCR), we are an embedded software development agency within the University of Michigan and Michigan Medicine. We design and build custom software, platforms, and digital experiences that support research, health, education, and institutional initiatives. We partner with faculty, clinicians, staff, and program teams to turn ideas into secure, scalable digital solutions that are built from scratch and designed to operate in complex, real-world environments.

CHCR’s mission is to design, build, and deliver high-quality digital tools and platforms that enable innovation across research, health, and education. We focus on custom software development, participant and user engagement systems, and flexible digital platforms that help teams launch initiatives faster, operate efficiently, and adapt over time.

Operating as an embedded digital agency within U-M and Michigan Medicine, we combine modern software development practices with deep institutional knowledge of security, compliance, and delivery in regulated environments.

CHCR combines modern software development and digital product design with deep experience working in academic, clinical, and institutional environments. We build custom platforms and tools that align with real operational workflows, user needs, and long-term sustainability.

We help teams choose and implement the most appropriate technologies and engagement channels, including SMS and MMS messaging, web and mobile applications, native apps, wearable integrations, surveys, dashboards, and interactive digital platforms.

In addition, we support teams by helping to:

• Shape and refine ideas before and after funding or approval
• Plan technical scope, timelines, and budgets
• Conduct usability testing and iterative refinement
• Design and develop surveys, content, and workflows
• Build participant, user, or staff-facing dashboards and tools
• Manage data on secure, compliant infrastructure
• Support reporting, evaluation, and publication needs

Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your project. Our team will schedule an initial consultation to review your objectives, requirements, and timeline. Reaching out early helps ensure alignment and sets the foundation for a successful engagement.