Proton U

Pediatric cancer patients, ranging in age from 18 months old to 18 years old, go to UFHPTI for 6 weeks of treatment. They come to Jacksonville, FL from other states and countries, including Great Britain, Norway, Peru, Saudi Arabia, China, Nicaragua and Australia. Upon arrival, some patients have little to no knowledge of proton therapy. 

Prepare pediatric cancer patients for their upcoming treatment. Equip young patients with information and coping skills that may reduce anxiety and fear during a stressful time in their lives. Collaborate with a mobile developer to create an interactive storybook app for children to learn about proton therapy.

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.

A Child Life Specialist developed personas based on her experience with patients. We used these throughout the creative process to consider different types of users when making design decisions.

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 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.  

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, project management and coordinating communication with the medical team, students and developer.

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.

Theatre students auditioned to be the characters’ voices, and communication students volunteered to record audio at the on-campus radio station.

Language students translated content to Spanish and Norwegian to make the app more accessible for international patient families.

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.

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.

A plush toy-version of Jefferson is intended to comfort children during their treatment. Other products include coloring pages and a certificate of completion.