Branding | UX Research | Product Design | mHealth
Proton U
A mobile application to help pediatric cancer patients and their families learn about their upcoming treatment at the the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute (UFHPTI).
User Research
CONTEXTUAL INQUIRY
CONTEXTUAL INQUIRY
CONTEXTUAL INQUIRY
The design team visited the institute, toured facilities and met with families. The observations and semi-structured interviews helped us learn about proton therapy and develop empathy with users.
PERSONAS
CONTEXTUAL INQUIRY
CONTEXTUAL INQUIRY
I worked with a Child Life Specialist to develop personas based on her experience with patients. We used these throughout the project to consider different types of users when making design decisions.
Concept Development
BRANDING
THE MAIN CHARACTER
THE MAIN CHARACTER
The concept is intended to be both educational and entertaining for kids. Proton U is a virtual prep school that users attend to learn about proton therapy.
THE MAIN CHARACTER
THE MAIN CHARACTER
THE MAIN CHARACTER
The main character is a round, orange, anthropomorphic proton. He’s the orange dot in the UFHPTI logo. His name is Jefferson because the institute is on Jefferson St.
How We Worked
THE DESIGN TEAM
THE DESIGN TEAM
THE DESIGN TEAM
Students applied for “jobs” related to illustration / character design, UX / content development, and branding / UI design. As the professor overseeing design, my role involved creative direction and project management. I coordinated communication between the medical team, designers and developers.
SAMPLE SCREENS
THE DESIGN TEAM
THE DESIGN TEAM
The app starts by welcoming users to the institute. Jefferson introduces users to the medical team and is their sidekick in each section. Users make a few items for Jefferson that they will soon need for themselves during treatment. The app helps to familiarize users with the sights and sounds in various rooms.
VOICE ACTORS
VOICE ACTORS
VOICE ACTORS
Theatre students auditioned to be the characters’ voices, and communication students volunteered to record audio at the on-campus radio station.
TRANSLATORS
VOICE ACTORS
VOICE ACTORS
Language students translated content to Spanish and Norwegian to make the app more accessible for international patient families.
Interrelated Products
PRINTED STORYBOOK
PRINTED STORYBOOK
PRINTED STORYBOOK
In addition to the mobile app, a printed storybook was produced. It can be mailed to patients who don't have access to a mobile device at home.
CARDBOARD CUTOUT
PRINTED STORYBOOK
PRINTED STORYBOOK
A life-size cardboard cutout of Jefferson is on display in the lobby. He welcomes patients to the institute and reminds them to download the app.
PLUSH TOY
PRINTED STORYBOOK
PLUSH TOY
A plush toy-version of Jefferson is intended to comfort children during their treatment. Other products include coloring pages and a certificate of completion.