T1DStigmatize
This project asked for us to work collaboratively, using design as both a mode of inquiry and communication, to explore a chosen matter of concern and advocate for democratic humanist social change.
After several rounds of iteration, we narrowed down our matter of concern to address how Type 1 Diabetes (otherwise referred to as T1D) is frequently portrayed inaccurately in the media, often being perpetuated by individuals who lack first-hand experience with the disease. The media’s influence on public awareness and understanding is evident when studying media representations of T1D.
Our question: How can society’s perception of individuals with T1D transition from a misrepresented one facilitated by the media to an educated perception of individuals with T1D, thereby reducing the stigma and enhancing the representation of this community within society?
TIMELINE
7 WEEKS
TOOLS
FIGMA, google suite
CONTRIBUTORS
LUCIANA LOUCEL,
VERONIKA STRAKA
RoleS
PROJECT MANAGER,
DATA ANALYST, EDITOR
Audience
To address our matter of concern, we planned to create a hybrid peer and self-advocacy group aiming to launch an information campaign. The target audience for this initiative comprises citizens who may have accepted misinformation as factual and are open to acquiring accurate knowledge about Type 1 Diabetes with the intention of providing support to individuals living with T1D as allies. This initiative aims to engage and educate this specific group, fostering a more informed and supportive community for those affected by T1D.
Message
Citizens often engage with individuals with Type 1 Diabetes influenced by media sources that present misinformation as factual, leading to conversations and interactions infused with stigmatized dialogue. The prevalence of inaccurate portrayals in the media can contribute to misconceptions and biases, hindering a more accurate understanding of Type 1 Diabetes and potentially fostering an environment of unwarranted stigma.
Final Prototype
We propose an interactive web game medium where media is used as a foundation and context in order to debunk and
educate the public on T1D. The incentive to go on the website will be through the playful format and design style. In addition, as a reward for going through the web game, there will be a designed link in order for individuals to share the website. Through circulation of the link, we hope to increase the impact of our campaign, creating a wider audience reach, and thus facilitating a change in dialogue through this simple and free action. The goal is to engage users in a way that they are unaware of the learning aspect, subtly introducing educational content, until it becomes apparent. This approach adds interactivity and enjoyment to the website, steering away from a more formal, scientific, or medical tone and leaves each citizen more educated by the end of the experience.