In collaboration with Quicksand Design Studio, I worked on a zine commissioned by the Wellcome Trust for their 2019 research findings conference in Goa, India. The zine aimed to engage non-profit organizations and individuals working on mental health initiatives for youth in India. It provided an accessible overview of opportunities and barriers related to youth engagement with mental health research.
Overview
School-going teenage girl from rural India affected by mental health concerns
Young college student in an urban center seeking mental health awareness
Young man from a semi-urban setup with unhealthy coping methods
Young, educated woman who is a mental health advocate
Design Process
In collaboration with the zine's writer, I created character archetypes representing diverse personas of teenagers and young adults based on research insights. These archetypes included:
Through a series of illustrations, I depicted various scenarios where these archetypes interact with mental health issues and awareness programs. The goal was to present complex research findings in a simplified, contextual manner, allowing conference attendees to quickly grasp the key insights.
Outcome
Young advocate organizing awareness campaigns
Social media awareness campaigns for ease of access for young adults
Collaboration with local healers in rural areas
Young adults being supported to access mental health help by friends when parents aren't well-informed
Common unhealthy coping mechanisms participated in by young adults dealing with mental health issues
Parents often lack mental health awareness in both urban and rural areas
Young adults encourage each other to open up about mental health concerns
News and TV ads with helplines and information should be widely available
Public engagement workshops by experts to create awareness strategies for highly specific and vulnerable demographics
Awareness booths at local fairs and events for mental health education
Programs in schools to educate young kids about mental health
More young people should be involved in mental health research