DESIGN NAME: Maples Clinic Visit
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Educational Storybook
INSPIRATION: This project was inspired by the need for relatable resources for children facing frequent medical appointments, particularly those with disabilities like cerebral palsy. I aimed to create an engaging experience to reduce anxiety and make clinical visits more approachable. My background in Industrial Design and research on user experience in healthcare guided the development. Collaborating with healthcare professionals ensured the content was informative and comforting for young readers.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Maples Clinic Visit helps children facing frequent medical appointments by providing relatable information. The story follows Maple, a teddy bear who needs orthotics to walk, explaining clinical procedures in a comforting way. Aimed at children with cerebral palsy, the book reduces anxiety by familiarizing them with medical visits. It emphasizes user-centered design to improve children's healthcare experiences, making each appointment feel friendlier and less daunting.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Maples Clinic Visit works by engaging children through a fun story about a teddy bear who goes to the clinic. The narrative transforms a potentially scary experience into an adventure, helping kids relate to Maples journey. Interaction occurs as children follow along with Maple, making them feel involved in the story. Key moments highlight important steps in medical visits, making it easier for kids to understand what to expect. This approach helps reduce anxiety, resulting in a more positive experience during real-life appointments and encouraging cooperation.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Project developed in Spring 2024 at Iowa State University
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Maples Clinic Visit was developed using user-centered design methodologies, focusing on the emotional needs of children facing medical procedures. We conducted qualitative research, including interviews with parents and healthcare professionals, to inform the narrative and illustrations. The book features vibrant, engaging visuals created through digital illustration techniques, ensuring accessibility and appeal. Additionally, iterative prototyping allowed for testing the storyline with young audiences, enhancing relatability and understanding of clinical processes, particularly regarding orthotics.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 10 by 8 inches hardbook
TAGS: Maple, orthotics, children healthcare, user experience, medical appointments, disability awareness, storybook, pediatric rehabilitation, emotional support, engaging design
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: This design research focuses on improving children's experiences in healthcare settings, specifically for those with disabilities. The objectives include reducing anxiety during medical visits and educating children about clinical procedures. We employed qualitative methods, using interviews and observations to gather data. Participants included children, parents, and healthcare professionals. The results revealed that relatable resources significantly eased children's fears. Insights showed that engaging designs can foster comfort and understanding, ultimately impacting how healthcare is delivered, enhancing both societal awareness and design practices.
CHALLENGE: The creative challenge involved addressing the emotional barriers children face during medical appointments. Overcoming societal misconceptions about disabilities was crucial, as was ensuring that the design resonated with young audiences. Historically, children's resources have been limited, leading to anxiety in clinical settings. External factors like healthcare regulations influenced content accuracy, while advancements in technology allowed for engaging illustrations and interactive elements. Collaborating with medical professionals ensured the project was both informative and supportive, fostering a positive impact on children’s experiences.
ADDED DATE: 2024-10-26 13:02:29
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Bruno Oro, 2024.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Maples Clinic Visit © 2024 by Bruno Oro is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
To view a copy of this license, visit:
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
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