Circles of Care
Year : 2022
Role : Individual
Tools : Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Rhino 3D, Miro
Skills : Visual Design, Ethnographic Research, Experience Design, Public space design, Strategy
A comprehensive approach to designing interventions aimed at safer drug use in Rhode Island
Context
On July 7, 2021, Rhode Island became the first state to sign a legislation supporting a two year pilot programme to prevent drug overdoses with the establishment of harm reduction centers in the state. The opioid crisis has become a major public health issue across the US, with a high incidence of opioid-related overdose deaths. The need for harm reduction centers to provide immediate assistance and support to those struggling with opioid addiction is more critical than ever.
With active collaborations from people with diverse backgrounds, such a complex problem is being tackled at both fronts - community based and evidence based. Project work involved working with Center for Complexity (CfC), COBRE on Opioids and Overdoses, Project Weber Renew, Open Door health, Brown University’s healthcare research and Sen. Joshua Miller.
How might we design interventions within the city to strategically deploy resources to initiate dialogue around harm reduction, public health and community?
Process Overview
I proposed an inclusive and humane system of care relooking at visual communication strategies to tackle stigma associated with opioid use. Mapping research across visual culture and healthcare, I could employ transdisciplinary services, graphics and spaces to prime and sensitize people into transitioning into this system of care.
The communication strategy involved collaborating with local stakeholders, including harm reduction center staff, health care providers, and community members to develop effective messaging that resonates with the user. The project aims to increase awareness and access to harm reduction centers, reduce the stigma associated with opioid addiction, and ultimately save lives.
Framework for behavioral design bridging public and healthcare
Posters, QR Code takeaways & Stickers
![Structure 1 [Experiential+Informative]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/634366878de2135acc49765a/279953ad-9870-4059-bdf6-4a29037c3a59/DSC_0829.jpg)
Structure 1 [Experiential+Informative]
![Structure 2 [Functional Store]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/634366878de2135acc49765a/3c35cc04-4b10-470d-b084-80c71b764625/DSC_0851.jpg)
Structure 2 [Functional Store]
Editorial gathering resources for designers, students and healthcare community