Challenge
By applying a user-centered design process, can we make progress against rising overdose numbers? Can presenting a holistic view of the epidemic help reduce stigma around addiction?
Background
Tools: Adobe Creative Suite, Blood, Sweat, Tears
Timeline: 1 year
I chose to explore the ongoing opioid epidemic as my senior thesis project while studying graphic design at The Cleveland Institute or Art.
Timeline: 1 year
I chose to explore the ongoing opioid epidemic as my senior thesis project while studying graphic design at The Cleveland Institute or Art.
Process
Seniors are required to assemble a committee of industry professionals to act as advisors throughout their thesis work. Regularly meeting with this committee fostered an early-on emphasis on feedback.
In addition to frequently discussing my work with these advisors, I maintained a strong user feedback loop to ensure my work was always user-driven.
In addition to frequently discussing my work with these advisors, I maintained a strong user feedback loop to ensure my work was always user-driven.
Research
The project was kicked off by several months of research, both quantitative and qualitative. I gained a thorough historical context, as well as a comprehensive understanding of today's epidemic.
I developed a holistic user perspective by listening to the stories told by those on the front-lines of the epidemic. I conducted several user interviews, determined to listen to all voices — including active opioid users.
I developed a holistic user perspective by listening to the stories told by those on the front-lines of the epidemic. I conducted several user interviews, determined to listen to all voices — including active opioid users.
User Interviews:
• Addicts in active use
• Former addicts in recovery
• Family members of addicts
• Addicts in active use
• Former addicts in recovery
• Family members of addicts
Stakeholder Interviews:
• Healthcare professionals
• Mental health professionals
• Addiction recovery professionals
• Harm reduction professionals
• Law enforcement
• Healthcare professionals
• Mental health professionals
• Addiction recovery professionals
• Harm reduction professionals
• Law enforcement
Research and user feedback uncovered 3 major takeaways:
• While many recover from opioid addiction, no one-size-fits-all solution exists. There will always be a population of active opioid addicts.
• Actively using opioid addicts are an underserved user group. Most solutions are designed for users who have stopped using (rehab centers, recovery programs, etc.).
• Intense stigma keeps public enthusiasm low around more progressive forms of evidence-based treatment methods (syringe exchange programs, supervised injection facilities, etc.).
View my research findings document here.
View my research findings document here.
Solution
Only by approaching the growing opioid epidemic as a mental health issue, rather than a moral failing or criminal issue, can we begin to identify productive solutions.
In order to reverse the adverse effects of “The War on Drugs”, we must erase stigma surrounding addiction and begin to cultivate an atmosphere of empathy for those struggling with substance use disorder. Additionally, by introducing methods of harm reduction and evidence-based treatment, we can begin to support those who abstinence-based recovery has left behind.
This combination will result in widespread understanding of addiction, and a reduction in opioid overdose death.
Mobile Application
How can we leverage mobile technology to help slow rising opioid related deaths?
Enter Reduce Mobile, the first comprehensive mobile solution in the battle against opioid addiction. Adhering to the principles of harm reduction — an addiction treatment philosophy, Reduce Mobile, above all, aims to keep opioid users alive.
Additionally, Reduce Mobile extends treatment resources to those lacking them while in the depths of active addiction. In using the app, users can locate nearby naloxone, and learn to administer with step-by-step instructions. Users are also empowered to utilize treatment options such as rehab, detox, and 12-step meetings.
The most innovative feature of Reduce Mobile is a tool called, "OD Watch". OD Watch is a simple timer system. As the timer expires, the user must prove they remain responsive by interacting with the app. If the alarm is not responded to, 911 emergency response is dispatched to the user’s pinned location.
The collective result of Reduce Mobile helps addicts live another day, and each day is a chance at recovery.
Reception
By nature, the work challenged my audience to think about the opioid epidemic in unconventional ways. I believe by presenting these progressive solutions surrounded by empathy, I was able to convert skepticism into understanding.
As a result of this success, I was awarded the 2017 President's Traveling Scholarship Award by The Cleveland Institute of Art. The recipients are chosen based solely on merit and impact of their senior thesis.
As a result of this success, I was awarded the 2017 President's Traveling Scholarship Award by The Cleveland Institute of Art. The recipients are chosen based solely on merit and impact of their senior thesis.
What I Learned
Navigating different forms of feedback can be a challenge as a designer. During this year long project I received feedback on a consistent basis —from my thesis committee members, fellow classmates, stakeholders, and end-users.
While all of this feedback was helpful and shaped the work, I was ultimately reminded that end-user feedback should remain prioritized, even when it's not the loudest voice in the room.
While all of this feedback was helpful and shaped the work, I was ultimately reminded that end-user feedback should remain prioritized, even when it's not the loudest voice in the room.
