KINSHIP
Student Thesis
My Role
Designer
Team
Personal Project
Overview
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is the
second most common cause of death in the United States.
Of all reported cases, 22.4% occur in adults ages 21-55, with
1 in 5 patients reported to have children under the age of 18. Following the diagnosis, a family’s routine can be gravely shaken. If not properly enlightened to the situation, children will often default to imagining the worst, potentially leading
to feelings of fault for why a loved one is sick and formulate skewed opinions and reasonings from a lack of information.
To combat these issues, children of cancer patients require resources that will educate them on how the disease may
affect each person, to help reduce potential trauma and
stress from occurring in the future.
Services Rendered
Branding, Illustration, UI/UX
Design, Motion Graphics, Print Collateral, Digital Advertisement
The Solution
Kinship is a proposed educational campaign aimed at
K-12 children, post-diagnosis of the affected loved one.
The overarching goals of the campaign are to educate
(teach about the concept of cancer and what it entails), advocate (promote knowledge of facts and resources currently available), and support (build up a community and offer a safe environment to express emotions and seek comfort during difficult times). To achieve these goals, a set of deliverables have been established, consisting of an identity system, app design, print collateral, print advertisement, and infographics.
IDENTITY DESIGN.
The name ‘Kinship’ finds root meaning through the general term relationship, which is the establishment of
bonds between individuals and groups. No two relationships are alike, and cancer makes no effort to discriminate.
Therefore, it is important to show that any and all may benefit through the support of a loved one. To show that
someone is always there to care. The usage of a light color palette in addition to rounded typography made
for a particularly legible representation of the brand and a suitable typeface for people of all ages to understand.
APP DESIGN.
The primary hub of information and services centers around an interactive app design to be used by parents
and children alike. The app will draw inspiration from existing medical apps such as Simply Sayin’ Medical Jargin
and Toca Doctor, matching the tone of its features to best aid its younger demographic. The app will have a glossary
of cancer-related terminology and scenarios that the child may be accustomed to over time. Immersive minigames
that allow the child to play through instances of medical treatment in a friendly environment will also be included.
Coping mechanisms for anxiety and stress will additionally be included, through mindfulness exercises and journal
documentation. Notably, the app will feature options for parents on how to talk their child through medical
diagnosis and results, simplifying details as needed for younger children and sensitive scenarios. It will also
incorperate a community aspect by allowing other parents to connect and chat with those who are undergoing
similar experiences with their child, creating an open space for discussion and offer a sense of support.
PRINT COLLATERAL.
The secondary source of materials will be established through various forms of print collateral.
According to an article by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, play is a crucial function in the
lives of children, that allows them to approach frightening situations in a way that grants confidence.
Through play, children can control and anticipate situations in a way that makes sense to them, which
will greatly decrease the severity of tense affairs. Children are also visual learners, with numerous forms of
educational tools stemming from visual media. Storybooks are a prime example of visual learning for children,
as they simplify intricate information and present it in a manner that is both personable and engaging.
Knowing this, Kinship branded coloring and activity books are designed with the intention of integrating parents
and children within a story-like setting, creating a mode for collaboration. Informative booklets regarding the
effects of cancer will also be dispersed for parents and children alike within waiting rooms in doctor’s offices.
SPREADING AWARENESS.
Working in tandem with print advertisement and print collateral, various infographics and data visualizations
will be integrated within informational booklets and monitors at doctors’ offices. Targeted at parents and guardian
figures, these infographics will break down the main cancer statistics and data while disclosing what to expect.