Role of Graphic Design In Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Research and Development

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing Research and Development

Leah Matthews U1752311 BA (hons) Graphic Design

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Research and Development

Brief

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

The Brief

The Question

Creative Requirements

How can we utilise graphic design to improve the mental health and wellbeing of society?

As the organisation will be the backbone to the feature project, it needs to have a versatile branding and structure so it can be applied to any project it undertakes in its lifetime. The brand style must also be neutral and inclusive and its tone of voice to be warm and inviting. The brand must be recognisable as one that aims to improve wellbeing but it should steer away from clichés and trends. In terms of the feature project it needs to be inviting, resourceful and considerate of what NHS workers really need. The final outcome should fit around their busy work life and offer accessible positive ways of coping with stress and burnout.

Aims 1) To create an organisation that specialises in improving the wellbeing of specific audiences through campaigns and projects. 2) To demonstrate the importance of graphic design’s contribution to improving mental health and wellbeing by creating a feature project that addresses a current issue to the time (2020-2021). The feature project will focus on the wellbeing of NHS workers.

Target Audience As the aim of the organisation is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of society through design, the target audience will vary depending on the project. The projects will be aimed at specific audiences and tailored to fit their lifestyle and needs. For this feature project, NHS workers will be the target audience as in the current time, they are under a lot of strain and more needs to be done to support and appreciate them. NHS workers are selfless individuals who usually put their everything into looking after their patients.

However, they are not superhuman and their own mental health and wellbeing should not be overlooked.

Why are we doing this Project?

348,028 working days are being lost due to anxiety and depression in the NHS. In the current time where NHS workers are under a massive amount of pressure, it is more important than ever before to support the glue that holds the healthcare system together. Life is on their hands and it is their duty to care for us, so there’s no surprise that NHS workers suffer from burnout and stress, especially in these unprecedented times.

Research Methodology Understanding the audience is key here to tailor the outcome accordingly. I will need to have a first-hand insight into NHS worker’s work life and what coping strategies they already trust and use. To do this, primary and secondary research will need to be conducted in order to have strong insightful knowledge of the audience. Qualitative data will be used to get in-depth research and quantitative data will be used to gather statistics that inform and rationalise my design choices. I will make the most of the connections I already have with NHS workers and conduct 1:1 interviews to attain more detailed accounts.

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Research and Development

Audience Research

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Photo by me from 05/11/2020

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Burnout and stress

How do NHS workers look after themselves currently?

Adaptive Mechanisms

NHS workers have always been under pressure to deliver exceptional care to their patients/ clients. In the current time where the world is in a health crisis, both mentally and physically, it is important that those who care for us are looked after. It is also important that we remember that health care workers are not superhuman and are not forgotten outside of work. The following research will allow me to get to the root of the issue and discover what NHS worker really need and what I can offer.

I conducted a survey that I shared through social media and got family and friends who work in the NHS to share it with their colleagues. It contained many open ended questions around how they look after their mental wellbeing and methods of self-care. 106 NHS workers participated in this survey and it was very interesting to read through the detailed responses. The second question was, “What do you do to ‘unwind’ after a long or stressful shift?” Here is a summary of what I found:

Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, talking to loved ones, journalling thoughts and feelings, taking a break from screens, engaging in creative activities like painting, therapeutic colouring, crocheting or knitting and drawing.

A study conducted in 2019 found that 80% of a sampled 4000 doctors “had experienced burnout” and furthermore, a third of that sample turned to alcohol as a way of coping. These shocking statistics prove that there is not enough help for NHS workers’ mental well-being and more can be done to support them. It also suggests that more needs to be done to promote positive ways of coping with stress rather than maladaptive strategies such as alcohol, drugs and smoking.

These ways of coping have actually been proven to increase levels of stress and in turn, have a negative effect on wellbeing. An example comes from a study conducted by M.K. Holton et al. where they assessed how employees cope with stress by comparing adaptive (positive) and maladaptive (negative) strategies with the employees well-being. They found that: “stress management programs focused on increasing use of adaptive coping may have a greater impact on employee stress management than those focused on decreasing use of maladaptive coping”. It was also concluded that for the employees to use positive coping strategies, they needed to be more available to them in the workplace. This is something that I will need to address in this project. I will therefore research more into adaptive coping strategies, what support is out there now for NHS workers and finally, what the workers do currently to look after their mental health.

One third of the NHS workers involved drinking as their way of unwinding and one even mentioned smoking to destress. My findings also support those that the 2019 study found from a sample of 4000 doctors. These maladaptive strategies have been proven to have an overall negative impact on mental and physical well-being and so positive coping strategies should be promoted.

Maladaptive Mechanisms Alcohol, smoking, drugs/ self medication, avoidance and suppression, isolation, anger/ aggression, over-eating.

Many of the other responses that were positive ways of unwinding, included relaxing baths, watching TV and talking to their families. Some workers mentioned more active ways of unwinding such as, exercising, playing instruments and creative activities. These are simple things that are a part of daily routine. The up to date insights are helpful when it comes to figuring out what I can offer with this project and how effective they will be.

“I have also self medicated with alcohol to manage stress, anxiety & depression from work related situations.”

-Shocking response from the NHS worker’s insight survey

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Research and Development

Well-being apps The most popular self-care app on the market is Headspace with over 2 million paid subscribers. The NHS provides free subscriptions to staff and it offers guided meditation that can be played and listened to anywhere at anytime. They state they are the only meditation app that are:

Existing Support Resources

Above images from: calm.com and headspace.com

None of these Headspace Calm The Mindfulness App Other Sleepio

6%

1%

7%

“committed to advancing the field of mindfulness meditation through clinically-validated research on our product.”

Headspace has many other app competitors. In my survey of 106 NHS workers I asked: “Have you used any of the following apps for self-care?” The doughnut chart displays the responses with some selecting multiple options. I was surprised to see that almost half hadn’t used any of the apps and explained in the next section that they don’t find them useful or simply stated: “It’s not for me.” On the other hand, the majority of the people who have used them stated they found the following helpful: daily meditation; breathing exercises; sleep wind-downs; sleep stories. Even though an app may not be the best way forward to support NHS workers, these mindfulness techniques could be something to consider further along the development of ideas.

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

17% 48%

21%

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Research and Development

Existing Support Resources

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Self Care During COVID-19

Going home Checklist

This is unprecedented, it’s okay to not be okay.

Trying to manage how you follow the outbreak in the media

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Take a moment to think about today • Feeling stress during these times is normal. It is not a reflection that you cannot do your job.

Acknowledge one thing that was difficult at work today - let it go

• Use your usual coping strategies. You may not have the emotional energy to try new ones.

COVID-19 Looking after your mental wellbeing and managing stress

• Avoid rumour or speculation • If the news starts to cause you stress or anxiety, take a break from it

Limit checking in with the news and social media

• Use reliable sources of information:

• Avoid harmful coping strategies such as tabacco, alcohol and other drugs.

• GMMH daily briefings

• This is likely to be an ongoing stressor. It will get easier if we do the right things.

• NHS

• Public Health England

Eat as healthily as you can and keep hydrated

• GOV.UK £

• World Health Organization

Consider three things that went well

Take a break away from the clinical area Managing your mental wellbeing is as important as your physical health

Check on your colleagues before you leave - are they OK?

Are you OK? Your senior team are here to support you

• Stick to a daily routine

If you are working from home or self-isolating

• Don’t miss basic needs

• Please use the points in this poster to adapt to your environment and stay healthy

• Have rest and respite during work and between shifts

• Create a daily routine to keep active and stay productive

• Eat a balanced diet

• Keep intouch with other people regularly on social media, email, phone or video call

• Keep active • It’s good to talk, now more than ever.

Keep communicating with family, friends and colleagues

Exercise is good for physical and mental health

• Keep kind to yourself and rest if you need to

• Seeking emotional support is a good way to minimise the impact of stress

Make time for the things you enjoy out of work

Now switch your attention to home - rest and recharge You can contact PAM Assist, the Trust’s Employee Assistance Programme on 0800 882 4102 available 24/7, or visit www.pamassist.co.uk and use the Username: GMMH and Password: GMMH1

You can contact PAM Assist, the Trust’s Employee Assistance Programme on 0800 882 4102 available 24/7, or visit www.pamassist.co.uk and use the Username: GMMH and Password: GMMH1

Improving Lives

What self-care support do the NHS offer?

Z

Z

Prioritise sleep

You can contact PAM Assist, the Trust’s Employee Assistance Programme on 0800 882 4102 available 24/7, or visit www.pamassist.co.uk and use the Username: GMMH and Password: GMMH1

Be kind to each other. We are all in this together.

Improving Lives

Improving Lives Posters from: https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/looking-after-your-wellbeing-resources

The Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust (GMMH) offer various resources on their website, including posters, creative worksheets, daily self-care diaries and many other downloadable and printable activities for anyone to use. There are also printable posters (see above) for employers to place in their staff rooms that suggest ways to use mindfulness for self-care.

The posters above give helpful advice for employees however it is an information overload. NHS workers who are on the front-line have very little time during their shift and so may not feel they can take this time to digest information on how they can look after themselves. I think the fast-paced working environment mimics that of roads and motorways.

Information that is on the roadside are simplified and easily legible from afar and therefore, they don’t require people to stop and take in the information. The NHS also provide these posters for workplaces like staff rooms and so are mainly only available to the workers while at work.

A lot of the advice is based around simple human routine and things that we do everyday such as, talking to family and friends, eating healthy, sleeping well and staying active. Maintaining a healthy mind is not as complicated as it may seem; these simple interactions and routines collated together can be done ‘mindfully’ so that looking after our mental health becomes a part of our routine and feels natural.

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Research and Development

Self-care Reading

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Good Vibes, Good Life: The Key To Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King Vex King is the author of this award winning book and is also a social media influencer. He translates his mind coaching skills to this book that is full of advice that changes your mindset to have a more positive outlook on life. He explains philosophical and religious theories such as the “Law of Vibration” and explains how self-love and caring for yourself should be priority so you can lead a great life.

Reading this not only helped my research on self-care but actually helped me a lot. Included in the book were easy breathing and meditation techniques which I think is a nice touch. It would be good for my project to provide NHS workers with proactive advice with all the resources there to guide them on how to look after themselves in times of stress. I also like the quote included on page 35: “Sometimes you have to unplug yourself from the world for a moment, so you can reset yourself”

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Research and Development

Research: Positive Coping Mechanisms

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

https://www.psychotherapistaustin.com/blog/box-breathing

Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King

Meditation & Positive Coping Mechanisms Being mindful is not strictly about meditating. Although it is a part of it, the idea comes from being ‘in the moment’ and focusing on the things around you in the present time. As simple as it sounds, being aware of your senses and what you are doing is all part of being mindful. The apps I previously looked at, like Headspace, all offer guided interventions that have been proven to increase wellbeing. My aim is for this project is to tailor these self-care and mindfulness strategies to NHS workers and provide something that has everything they need in one place to do this. The book I read by Vex King had a good walk-through meditation exercise and it was really easy to follow. Something like this in my project would be very beneficial to NHS workers as some may not realise how simple it is and how you can do it anywhere.

Another exercise I’ve come across is ‘Box Breathing’. It’s a simple technique that can reduce stress and calm you. It works by following the outline of a box, breathing in, holding, breathing out and holding again for 4 seconds each. This would also be quite a useful tip that would fit around NHS worker’s busy work lives.

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Research and Development

Similar Project Analysis & Staff Nurse Interview

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

https://tinyurl.com/6rk9x3ev

https://tinyurl.com/29uj6t6k

Rainbow (wobble) rooms

1:1 interview with a Staff Nurse

Some healthcare workplaces have a Rainbow room (previously known as a wobble room). It is somewhere staff can go to recollect themselves and relax if they need. The rooms may contain tea, coffee, snacks and toiletries that will help staff get through the day. The image in the next page is of a wobble room at Conquest Hospital in Hastings. The home-from-home atmosphere with the art-work, blankets, flowers and necessities give staff a break away from the on the job stresses.

I conducted a 1:1 interview with Sarah, a staff nurse who works at an NHS Trust, (Hospital name disclosed for confidentiality reasons) to get more of an insight into how the staff take their breaks.

on desks unless there’s an infection control walk round. To be fair, we’re probably at higher risk of Covid because of that thinking about it... We literally work for free for half an hour everyday as we don’t get paid for breaks. Like I said it’s a bad culture which I’m trying to change but I literally can’t remember the last time I ate in the break room.

The wobble room at Conquest Hospital was made possible through business contributors, public donations and volunteers. This is a really ‘human’ way of offering staff a safe haven for when things get too much; a familiar environment where they feel comfortable. It shows an appreciation that NHS workers are not super-human and need just as much care as the patients, for them to do their job effectively. I think it is a great self-care alternative to apps and advice posters as everything that is required for mindfulness is in one place and is available to staff whilst at work.

Me: Is there a Rainbow (wobble) room available to you at the hospital?

Sarah: Yes, I think we do. I’ve never been, I think sometimes it’s staffed and last time one of my colleagues went in, a woman from IT was volunteering. We have a quiet room on our ward with comfy-ish chairs and a mood lamp.

Me: Is there a reason why you haven’t used the wobble room?

Sarah: To be fair we never feel like we have the time to go in there, we almost feel guilty for taking a few minutes to ourselves. I’m sure if we said I need to go there then the managers would be fine.

Me: Do you have other areas where you can take breaks?

Sarah: We have staff rooms. Not everyone uses them. The staff nurses feel like we don’t have the time as there is literally too much to do. We encourage our health care assistants to go on their breaks. There is really bad culture with break taking in the NHS amongst nursing staff. We get told to look after ourselves but it never feels genuine.

Summary of findings Although these designated rooms are a great way for NHS staff to take time to recollect and de-stress themselves, they don’t seem to be having the desired effect in the current time. Sarah spoke representatively and suggested that the nurses aren’t getting the support they need from management and don’t feel they can take their breaks. There are complicated factors behind the reasons for skipping breaks that are unprecedented and out of my control. However, as a designer, I can work around these findings and do my bit to ensure staff are getting the support and appreciation they deserve.

Me: How do you manage to eat and drink throughout your shift?

Sarah: We’re lucky our ward manager allows us to eat on the ward as long as it’s not smelly and we are allowed drinks

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Research and Development

Rainbow Room At Conquest Hospital

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

https://peoplepowereduk.org/wobble-room-hastings

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Research and Development

Initial Idea Development Stage

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Self-care package From my research of what support is already out there for NHS workers, I can confidently say that the resources and help that are already available aren’t sufficient enough. This may be because healthcare workers have little time during their shift and so cannot take advantage of the wobble rooms. Other resources out there to help are not easily accessible, for example, self-care worksheets have to be downloaded and printed, Information posters in hospitals are overwhelming and so not having the desired effect. And finally, recent statistics show (through primary and secondary research) that health care workers are turning to maladaptive ways of coping with work stress.

This idea of a self-care ‘take-away’ package originally came from noticing that wobble rooms in some trusts simply aren’t being used. This pack could contain resources and essentials, informed by research, to provide NHS workers with all the tools they need for effective self-care without having to download and print resources off the web. It will therefore need to be user friendly and person-centred. The contents of the pack would also need to fit around NHS worker’s routine. For example, any information booklets/mindfulness journals should be pocket sized so it can be portable and ready to use at any time.

This all-in-one package would have an uplifting feel and not too corporate when displaying information. My aim is to enhance the self-care routine and create a fun experience for my audience, therefore the aesthetics would have to reflect this.

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Research and Development

S imilar P roj ect A nalys is : C harit y For Care Workers

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

All images from laurahydefoundation.org

“LHF’s objective is to ensure that all medical and emergency services personnel have access to the best mental health support network available. Our carers need caring for too.”

-Laura Hyde Foundation mission statement

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Research and Development

Similar Project Analysis: Charity For Care Workers

All images from laurahydefoundation.org

Similar project: Laura Hyde Foundation (LHF) This charity was founded after the tragic suicide of Laura Hyde in 2016. Their aim is to raise awareness of mental health issues within the health care system and reduce the stigma around it by providing helpful resources. Through donations, they have made possible the following: 24hr mental health support line for all NHS and emergency services personnel, campaigns for appointment mental health ambassadors in trusts, campaigns for NHS and emergency service workers to be fast tracked for counselling. On their website, posters are available for download and to be displayed in workplaces. They also contain campaign awareness information that informs the viewer who they are about and how they can support the foundation.

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

The visual style of the leaflets, posters and stationary are consistent and are on brand using the LHF’s purple, orange and teal. Information has been laid out similar to the information on the NHS posters. Blocks of text are the main feature with little imagery, however the advice given is very practical and tailored specifically to NHS workers. I would say the appearance looks quite corporate and so uninviting even though the content is useful. This may be because it is quite current to the time and so they have taken a more serious approach. The poster of the lady on the previous page, “There’s no mask for mental health”, demonstrates this urgency that NHS workers need support to get them through this tough time. It’s also an effective initiative to get monetary support from the public as the poster is hard-hitting and direct.

One campaign launched by the LHF consisted of sending care packages out to front-line staff. They partnered with supporting companies and included their chocolate, coffee and hand moisturisers in the packages. These packages are available through contacting the charity directly. I like the idea of getting companies and other brands involved in my project as it would be good community spirit and also help with the funding of my package. It is also a good initiative for the hospital trusts to get on board with as they have included treats for their workers. It shows appreciation for the hard work they do and also, everyone loves a freebie, especially from employers.

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Research and Development

Similar Project Analysis- Charities & Campaigns

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

http://www.paulphilpott.co.uk

Above stills from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHbvE7Hnofw&t=36s

https://tinyurl.com/ysnt8ydd

Dave x CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) Dave launched a campaign with CALM to spark ‘Conversations Against Living Miserably’ that encouraged people to reach out if they were struggling and to check on their friends. The campaign also partnered with Murdock London Barbers for World Mental Health Day in October 2020. It ran over social media and took over a TV ad break that pushed viewers to use those 4 spare minutes to send a text to a mate and send them a funny video or tweet.

Through the light-hearted and relatable copy, the campaign makes talking about mental health a normal part of everyday life. I like how the design and the placement of the campaign has been considered to fit into the target audience; The barbers and pubs being a normal place where conversations are had. Window banners at the barbers and beer mats are something their audience encounters in their normal day to day lives - this connects talking about mental health to the every day life.

The images on the left are stills from their short typographic animation. The cat image is the finishing scene and leaves the viewer on a positive note. This is an effective way of destigmatising talking about mental health as it conveys that it can be fun and doesn’t have to be tedious.

“Comedy and humour can be incredibly powerful in opening up the conversation surrounding mental health” - CALM CEO, Simon Gunning. (via https://tinyurl.com/3yp4m6t3) This could be an interesting route to go down for my project. However more research needs to be done so I have a better understanding of my audience and judge the appropriateness of using humour.

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Research and Development

Similar Project Analysis- Charities & Campaigns

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Similar project: Mind campaign In 2018 Mind charity released a campaign that aimed to improve well-being of A&E staff. The aim was to change perceptions of mental health within the NHS sector and reduce the stigma around it. Some of the advice given encourages staff to take their breaks even though it “may be low on your list of priorities”. I like how this campaign is personalised and tailored to the experiences of NHS staff, in this case, emergency workers. Unlike the NHS posters I earlier looked at, Mind’s project has made a tailored approach. This is especially important in order for the audience to engage and really benefit from the resources.

In terms of the visual design for this campaign, it is on brand with the charity just like the Laura Hyde Foundation’s (LHF) and it has a consistent colour scheme of dark blue and deep yellow. I would say that Mind’s visuals appear more inviting and display the information better then LHF’s advice resources. This may be because the information is broken up into sections and don’t appear to be big blocks of text. From my previous research, I am aware that NHS workers have little time (especially on shift) and so text heavy info-graphics may be too overwhelming. Simple messages that can be obtained quickly is an effective approach. It also ensures that the information can be derived even in fast paced settings, like A&E and hospital wards.

All images from: https://tinyurl.com/68r4r4z2

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Research and Development

Similar Project Analysis- Charities & Campaigns

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

AHOY x Alex Farrall: MindSpace MindSpace was created to support young people aged between 11 and 16 with mental illness and speaks to its audience through its vibrant visual language. Farrall chose the vast colour palette to express the large scope of emotions that young people go through.

I find it interesting how even though the colours have no limit, the brand is still consistent and recognisable. The style is inclusive and the abstract patterns give the brand a contemporary look. From the first glance, it doesn’t look like a typical identity for a mental health charity, which could prove effective at reducing stigma for young people when they want to reach out. The use of photography and shape in the collaged web graphics adds a human touch that marries well with the abstract style.

This style is something that 11-16 year olds are already familiar with and so is an effective approach to get them engaged.

Incorporating a fun style into my own project could be a good way of reaching out to NHS workers.

A fun visual language has the potential to get information across more effectively and normalise the experience of getting mental health support. However, I am aware that using this style risks sugar coating the importance of looking after yourself and I don’t want my message to get lost in designs that convey the wrong tone.

All images from: https://alexfarrall.com/portfolio/mindspace/

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Research and Development

Similar Project Analysis: Headspace

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Images retrieved from: https://dribbble.com/karenyoojin

Headspace Summer campaign posters 2019 by Karen Yoojin & Tyler Hoehne Although I found that many of the NHS workers from my survey didn’t use apps like Headspace, I find their graphical language very intriguing and fun looking. Headspace’s branding is recognisable throughout all their campaigns and designs. The vibrant colour palette is an untypical to other wellness brands such as Calm who mainly use blue tones and photographic landscapes.

This branded style is quite similar to Alex Farrall’s approach with MindSpace. MindSpace, however is just aimed at 11-16 year olds, whereas Headspace is aimed at all ages now with a Headspace for kids’ section. I like how Headspace’s visual language is very versatile and can suit anyone, however Farrall’s approach where he’s tailored everything to just one specific audience, I think is most effective as it’s focused on helping one societal problem at a time.

The vibrancy of shape and colour is toned down with the roundedness of the edges and the recurrent face illustration.

The simple face line illustration is the Headspace’s signature and is what makes the brand consistent across its campaigns. The next page also show illustrations for Headspace and even though they are from different campaign s to this one, you can still tell its the same brand. This is definitely something I will consider if I am going to be designing various different components during my project. I want my organisation’s brand identity to be recognised through the NHS project.

My self-care for NHS workers project is going to be more similar to Alex Farrall’s approach with MindSpace as I am focusing on one specific audience. Therefore, I want to make sure I tailor my choice of copy and tone of voice so my project is speaking directly to NHS workers and so they feel listened to and appreciated.

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Research and Development

Similar Project Analysis: Headspace

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

More Headspace Illustrations by Karen Yoojin

Images retrieved from: https://dribbble.com/karenyoojin

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Research and Development

Healing Arts Research

All images from: paintingsinhospitals.org.uk

Paintings in Hospitals (PIH) Organisation Children’s hospitals are full of art murals to act as a distraction during their visit to reduce anxiety. But why does it have to stop there? Paintings in Hospitals (PIH) is an organisation that loans art works to display throughout hospitals and they have made a significant impact on the well-being of both the patients and the staff. Julia, a consultant in A&E says: “If the environment feels cared for, I think as a member of staff, you feel more valued and you’re likely to give more back.” The artwork that is displayed in the hospitals ignites conversations and acts as an escape from the clinical environment and in turn, boosts the mental well-being of everyone involved.

The organisation also run workshops within care homes and hospices where patients and carers get creative with activities. The research behind what they do shows art eases anxiety for patients and care staff, improves communication and moral between patients and carers and shortens the stay of patients. A study conducted by Val Huet, in partnership with PIH, showed that art and creativity based interventions for healthcare workers actually alleviated work-stress and gave them an opportunity to express feelings that they wouldn’t have otherwise felt comfortable talking about.

Initially, the participants found it difficult but the tasks got easier and more enjoyable as it went on. Some time after this study, many participants reported back that they had started visiting art galleries as part of their routine for looking after their well-being. Overall the art therapy sessions had a positive response from all participants and even wanted

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

to carry on with the workshops. They also mentioned that there was need for a ‘quiet space/sanctuary to process feelings’ in the workplace.

There are many more studies like this one that prove the positive effect that art has on mental well-being. It is available to anyone in various forms including, adult colouring books, knitting/crocheting and painting. From my own primary research, I found that some people already do these things as part of their routine. However, my aim is to encourage all NHS workers to enhance and make the most of their self-care routines, rather than turning to the maladaptive mechanisms that I have previously addressed. Paintings in Hospitals holds a successful organisation that has significantly increased the well-being of everyone involved, whether it is viewing art on the walls or engaging with art activities first-hand. One thing to note is that the activities are simple and not too complicated.

In this current healthcare crisis, organisations like PIH are limited to what they can do. Restrictions disallow them to engage with patients and staff barely have time to take their allowed breaks (as I found from my interview with Sarah).

On their website, they provide downloadable activity worksheets, (as a way around the restrictions) where people can colour and create their own versions of a piece of art work from a reference. I would say this is good way around not

being able to conduct physical workshops with patients and carers. However as found in Huet’s study, the participants didn’t at first seem convinced by the art interventions until the middle to end of the programme. This suggest that they would not be interested in going to the efforts of downloading and printing art worksheets like the ones PIH provide.

As Huet’s study was professionally conducted, the participants were given the guidance and tools required and so they took to the tasks and even welcomed them into their own routines after the study; some started going to art galleries and creating art as a way of relaxation.

In my survey, I asked the open-ended question: “How interested are you to find out more about how being creative can improve your mental well-being?” The majority of the 106 responses stated they were interested and were open to anything that would improve well-being. They also stated that they would not be interested in anything that would take up too much time. From both of these primary and secondary findings, I have come to the conclusion that if the tools and guidance are readily available to them, they are more likely to participate and so benefit from those resources provided.

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Research and Development

Healing Arts Research

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

The Arts Project at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital It has been proven that the implementation of the arts in hospitals improves wellbeing of patients. As explored in the previous page, art can also make the staff who work in hospitals feel valued and therefore more likely to give back. The book photographed above is a celebration of the positive effects art has had on the patients and staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. The contributors to this programme pride themselves on this innovative approach to hospital environments and this very recent celebration of it (2019-2020) is going to influence more institutions to do the same.

This is where I feel like my project is in with current time and has it’s place in the market.

The question I now have is: Are the positive effects that art has purely environmental? Or can other forms of art, like graphic design contribute to better wellness? My earlier analysis’ of past charity campaigns all use design and artistic qualities in some form, some more deliberate than others. The Laura Hyde Foundation’s (LHF) visual language has a serious tone of voice and visual language, whereas Headspace’s language is more light hearted and fun looking. I believe this is where form and function comes in. I want my project to be direct and communicate clear messages (like LHF) but I also want it to be inviting and fun looking (like Headspace).

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Research and Development

Healing Arts Research

The psychology behind therapeutic colouring books

The fractals of nature

Many adult colouring books on the market aim to de-stress the user. Colouring has been proven to relax the brain as it requires you to focus on the task at hand, resulting in the brain blocking out any worries or negative thoughts. This act of mindfulness is a way of putting yourself in the present moment and it is a form of meditation. Neuropsychologist, Dr. Stan Rodski informs that, “like meditation, colouring allows us to switch off our brains from other thoughts and focus on the moment. Tasks with predictable results, such as colouring or knitting, can often be calming.”

Outside the world of colouring books, relaxation through repeated patterns can be experienced when immersed in the natural world. Examples of natural fractal patterns are, leaves, ocean ripples/waves, snowflakes and flowers. Studies have shown that when human are exposed to fractals in nature, stress levels are reduced by 60%. In relation to my project of offering guided self-care techniques to NHS staff, fractals and nature is something I will consider when contemplating methods and aesthetics. This research will aid me later on with informing my designed outcomes.

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Having my own fair share of colouring books and researching online, there are a noticeable consistency with the style of illustration. Patterns of different forms and scales are used throughout and a lot of the themes are around nature.

The reason why the above colouring book has been a favourite of my own is because it’s slightly smaller than A5 and doesn’t take too long to fill a page. I therefore think that if I were to introduce a colouring book specifically for busy NHS staff, a pocket sized book of patterns and imagery would be perfect for a quick self-care activity. I would also say that as health workers are hands-on within their role, this physical activity fits well with their nature and furthermore, produces something aesthetically pleasing in the process.

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Research and Development

Fractal Photographs From Own Albums

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Key words/ themes Unique shapes; Repetitive; Natural; Elements; Orange tones; Calming blue and green tones; Natural.

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Research and Development

Fractal Illustrations

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Colouring book inspired illustrations Based on my photographs, I have sketched out some iterations that could develop into concrete designs for my project.

They are inspired by the colouring pages from my calming colouring book. Some have a more repetitive and fractal nature than others however they all work well as a series. This cropped version is an image trace of my leafy sketch.

This is a good tool to smooth out line drawings and keep the quality of the vector image. These illustrations could also work as patterns for the visual identity as fractal images are proven to relieve stress.

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Research and Development

Fractal Illustrations

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Research and Development

Fractal Illustrations

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Research and Development

Company Contributions

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Taylor’s contribution As this project is not for profit, donations will be needed for the care packages to be made possible. I got in contact over email with Taylor’s of Harrogate who produce Yorkshire tea (one of the leading brands). I explained my project and asked them if they would contribute some of their tea to my care package. It was great to see how willing they were to help out and even asked how many I would need. They replied within a couple of days and were more than happy to help:

“We are getting asked many times daily now for help and support and like to help out where we can in a small way especially for our key workers and NHS Staff.”

A good quality cup of tea is appreciated and valued in our society and so including these small touches alongside self-care tools and activities, accentuates the whole experience. Getting trusted brands involved is a good way to gain community support and increase interest as well as being commercially viable.

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Research and Development

Company Contributions

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Research and Development

Logo & Branding Analysis

https://www.mind.org.uk

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

https://www.blurtitout.org

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind Charity

Blurt

Mental Health Foundation (MHF)

Mind is a charity provides help and resources to everyone and “won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect”. (Mind). They receive money from donations and have existed for around 70 years. Through campaigns and collaborations with other charities they have many achievements including passing new laws and acts. The charity doesn’t have a specific target audience but they work on various campaigns like the one I looked at earlier.

Blurt is a social enterprise that aims to support people suffering from depression. They also work on raising awareness about depression to end the stigma attached to it. They have collaborated with schools, employers and medical practitioners to increase their understanding of depression. They run on donations and also have an online store where they sell wellbeing stationary and self-care kits and packages. This income goes straight back into the community. They also provide free resources on the website.

MHF is a charity that has been working on ‘good mental health for all’ since 1949. They don’t provide a direct support service to people who are suffering but they do aim to tackle mental health problems at the source. There’s advice and resource publications on their website. MHF do a lot of research and release programmes for communities that are effective in improving the mental health of the people. Like Mind, they run on donations and have options to donate by text and monthly.

Their logo and branding is recognisable through the scribble that joins to the logotype and is very neutral for their wide target audience. I like how the scribble could resemble confusion, anxiety and uncertainty and then it loosens up and flows into the charity name. It visualises how the charity supports people who struggle with their mental health.

The softness to the logo and the blue colour has a relaxing feel to it and I like how the tag line is straight to the point.

The speech bubble logo is quite fun looking but also nods to creating conversations and raising awareness. The orange colour is warming and neutral but also bold and attentive. Their overall branding is quite fun looking and less serious looking as Mind and Mental Health Foundation. I like how the style is different from other mental health organisations and I think it normalises the experience of getting support.

Their logo and branding is a lot simpler than Blurt and Mind and conveys a more serious tone of voice. The green ribbon is a symbol of mental health awareness and shows their understanding and approachability. The single teal shade gives the charity a corporate feel which allows it to be respected and trusted when it comes to them educating and offering new ways to support the mental health of communities.

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Research and Development

Website Analysis

https://www.mind.org.uk

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

https://www.blurtitout.org

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind Charity

Blurt

Mental Health Foundation (MHF)

Mind’s website reflects their brand really well. The contrasting pink and blue conveys a calm feel and balances the website really well. The use of photography also humanises the experience and shows a sense of community and understanding. I also like how the scribble from the logo has been used on photograph at the top of the page. The charity offers a support prompt as soon as you enter the website which makes support easy and accessible. They also have links where people can get involved with their campaigns and donate. Overall the website is easy to navigate and very inviting through the soft colour palette and clear page links.

Blurt’s branding is more visible through their website. The alternate script typeface in block colours act as links to different pages on the website. The overall feel of the website is fun and bright but it is clear through photography that it is a respectful and trustworthy organisation. This is something I should consider as I want my brand to have a fun aesthetic but also be taken seriously. To be critical, I would say the option bar at the top is overwhelming and too pushed together with the typeface having a high X height. I do like how at the top of the page which is the first point of attention, it directs you straight to their aim and then to quick links. This makes the website straight to the point and clarifies the organisation’s manifesto.

As noticed in the logo analysis, MHF’s branding is a lot more stripped back than Blurt and Mind’s. The teal and off white is a lot more neutral and gives off an almost clinical feel. This style is an important factor for them to be respected as advisors and trusted to release evidence approved programmes into the community. The website is clean cut and the use of boxes with a drop shadow make the links to information pages clear. Like Blurt and Mind, they use photography throughout and I like how the first page you come to, the photo of the man on a fundraiser event run has an uplifting feel and displays MHF’s achievements.

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Research and Development

Organisation Name Ideas

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

https://tinyurl.com/yhn2hd2x

‘Cameo’ - Collins Dictionary Definitions 1. A cameo is a short description or piece of acting which expresses cleverly and neatly the nature of a situation, event, or person’s character.

2. A cameo is a small role in a play or film which is played by a well-know actor or celebrity.

3. A cameo is a piece of jewellery, usually oval in shape, consisting of a raised stone figure or design fixed on to a flat stone of another colour.

(Definition received from https://tinyurl.com/nvhdptrs)

Cameo came to me when thinking about something small that makes a big impact. My organisation aims to improve the wellness of society and graphic design is the cameo appearance. From my research, I noticed that graphic design plays an important part in healthcare, even if it isn’t the main attraction. When they work together, it is clear that innovation and better healthcare is possible.

I think that this name fits perfect as the main aim is to improve wellbeing with graphic design being the small contribution that makes all the difference. The third Collins definition is also interesting. A ‘raised stone design fixed onto a stone of another colour’ could be something to think about when designing the branding. An embossed effect on printed collateral or a 3D effect logo could be a nice nod to this definition. I also like how the name physically looks. There is some good opportunity for branding that is soft and rounded which fits the tone of voice I am aiming for.

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Research and Development

Brand Questions

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Cameo Unpicked

Who are we?

Where do we want to be in the future?

Cameo is a not-for-profit organisation that uses the power of design to improve the mental health and wellbeing of society. We work on projects that focus on specific social groups so that those in need get direct support that is suited to their lifestyle.

Graphic design and mental health seem like opposites and the healthcare industry can sometimes disregard creativity as important (like researched before). Therefore, it would be Cameo’s duty to be a source of education that would run creative workshops and talks on how the industry can use design to better the health and wellbeing of their patients/ clients/ audiences.

What position do we occupy in the market?

Through donations and company contributors like Taylor’s, we give out free support and focus solely on who we are supporting with each project. This means that we research and understand who the audience is, why they need support and what is the best approach to support them. We then offer tailored resources that fit with their lifestyle so they can get the most out of what we offer.

What is our personality?

What do we want to be known for?

To the social groups we support through Cameo’s projects, we want them to see us a moral organisation who puts them first. We want to be approachable to these audiences if they need to reach out for support and always be moving with the times by working on mental health and wellbeing projects for those in need at the time. To other social enterprises and the healthcare industry, we want to be seen as educational and an example of the importance of graphic design when it comes to supporting society’s mental health and wellbeing.

A light hearted tone is conveyed so we are approachable. We are informative but not too text heavy as this is where engagement gets lost so it’s important that the advice and support we offer is straight to the point. This is where our creative side comes in as we look for innovative ways to ensure our support reaches the correct audience and benefits them as much as possible.

Who are our key audiences?

The audience will change depending on the project and will be tailored accordingly. Cameo’s brand is neutral and so versatile and prepared to work on any project that arises. The audience we aim to inspire and educate through our projects are healthcare professionals, social enterprises and charities. These will be the audience’s that can take Cameo’s innovative approach and make a real difference.

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Research and Development

Brand Landscape

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

31

Branding Moodboard

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Own photograph

Research and Development

Aesthetic Moodboard for Cameo Key words/ themes

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Research and Development

Logo Developments

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Symbols of Wellness I sketched out some symbols that could potentially inspire logos and brand elements. As my company is all about improving the wellness of society, I looked at what already symbolises wellness. The main theme that came back on Google and Pinterest were organic forms: lotus flowers, leaves and foliage. Some of my sketches have very similar loose elements, with lines forming loops that remind me of infinity symbols. This could be an interesting aesthetic to look into further as it could also convey the connection between design and wellness. I also want my organisation to stand out against other wellness brands, and so I’m going to steer away using the ‘typical’ symbols of wellness, like the lotus flowers. However, I still want to make sure that the look of my branding is associated with wellness and reinforces the basis of how Cameo works: the connection between two industries and how one improves the other. (How graphic design improves healthcare).

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Research and Development

Logo-type Experiments

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

cameo CAMEO Rounded Elegance

Rounded Elegance (upper case)

cameo

CAMEO

cameo cameo

CAMEO

Chennai Regular

BC Alphapipe

Chennai Regular (upper case)

BC Alphapipe (upper case)

BC Alphapipe (alternate ‘a’ and ‘m’ glyphs)

BC Alphapipe

The nature of how ‘cameo’ looks led me to look at rounded typefaces. I wanted the logotype to be easily legible and clean looking but I also wanted it to have a quirk that nodded to what Cameo is about. BC Alphapipe had some interesting glyphs and I liked how the lower case ‘e’ looked. The upper case version however doesn’t fit with the brand as it looks too sporty and futuristic. I tried the typeface with added elements to bring in a smile and highlight the hidden ‘me’ however it reminded me too much of the Amazon logo and my peers also thought the same.

When trying the initial logotype with colours, I liked the contrast between the dark teal and the paler colours. As Cameo will be reaching out and helping people from all ages and backgrounds at some point, I have to make sure that colours are chosen carefully so they are inclusive and people with visual impairments can recognise it. With one of Cameo’s definitions being a piece of jewellery with a raised design, I tested out the logotype with an extrude effect. I quite liked this as an alternative and it gave me an idea of how it may look if the logo was used on printed collateral as it could be embossed.

As this is my logotype, I wanted to give it a unique attribute. I played around with connecting the ‘e’ and ‘o’ and I liked how this accentuated the rounded nature of the font. This is where I played around with adding in a hidden infinity sign.

When exploring wellness symbols, I noticed that the organic loops and curves could also resemble an infinity symbol. I like how this is a nod to the obvious wellness symbols but is unique and actually works as part of the logotype rather than a submark. I also like how the connection between the characters mirrors the connections that Cameo will be making to improve wellbeing.

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Research and Development

Logo Developments

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

The two favourites

I took the logo-type I most preferred from my previous iterations and tested it with the idea of an infinity symbol. I played with the kerning of the letters and tested the infinity as a replacement of the ‘e’ and ‘o’. Originally I liked the idea but figured it was less legible.

Adding in an infinity that was less obvious then appealed to me and I’ve come to decide between two. Feedback from peers mainly preferred the first favourite pointed to above and I would say it is more neutral and cleaner looking than the one below.

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Research and Development

Submark Developments

1. Characters link

2. Rounded infinity

3. Half infinity

4. Harsh infinity

5. Triskel arrangement

6. Raised/ embossed infinity

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Infinity Submark Variations I tested the infinity symbol again for Cameo’s submark. The infinity was created by taking the letter ‘c’ from the typeface and manipulating it. This made it geometrical coherent with the logo-type. I liked the infinity as a pattern and this could work well with future branded collateral and maybe even website assets.

To keep the branding as simple as possible, I’ve decided on the 3rd submark. The half infinity is a nice nod to the idea of connections between to opposites (graphic design and mental health and wellbeing). It’s also recognisable to Cameo’s main logo-type and I think it would work well when Cameo’s branding needs to displayed or printed in small formats.

With the idea of embossing coming from Cameo’s definition of a raised design, it would make sense to keep this in mind if I were to print anything with the logo on it as this is where I could make that nod.

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Research and Development

Brand Signatures Development

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Colour Palette

#014759

#fce2f6

#c8f1df

#ffeffb

Signature Shapes

Signature Shapes I want my style to be fun but also taken seriously as a brand that works to improve mental health and wellbeing. It also needs be neutral and I think these shapes work well as a composition. I took them from the typeface as they have a nice rounded feel. Putting these shapes together allowed me to figure out the colour palette I wanted. I like the contrast between the pale pink and the very dark teal and I think it would act as a nice balance when used in different contexts like web, social and print. These basic shapes can now be tested with the development stages of the NHS project.

Now looking at my logotype in context with the shapes, much prefer the alternative without the manipulated ‘c’. The other one looks more cleaner and keeps it fresh looking.

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Research and Development

Logo-types

Final Logo Designs

Submark

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Logo & Submark with secondary colours

I am really pleased with the final logo and submark and how they look in the brand colours. My next step here is to try the brand in action through its website and the feature NHS project. I have chosen to leave the shapes out of the logo so it stays simplistic and more versatile. I do like the squiggle line, so I will keep it handy and try to incorporate it within my NHS project.

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Research and Development

Logotype Versatility

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

39

Research and Development

Submark Versatility

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Versatility Test Cameo’s branding will run across all the projects it undertakes, including this NHS project. This means that the logo and submark has to be versatile and work with any colour palette. I tested these vibrant colours against them and I like how they all work. The colour palette of each project will take over the web page that it is displayed on.

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Research and Development

Cameo: Type Style Sheet

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Logotype Only

Ab Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz 0123456789 ¿ ? ¡ ! & @ ‘ ’ “ ” « » % * ^ # $ £ € ¢ / ( ) [ ] { } . , Headings and Body Copy (Small sections of text): Neuzeit Grotesk Bold

Ab Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz 0123456789 ¿ ? ¡ ! & @ ‘ ’ “ ” « » % * ^ # $ £ € ¢ / ( ) [ ] { } . ,

Longer Body Copy (Limited use for larger sections of text): Neuzeit Grotesk Regular

Ab Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz 0123456789 ¿ ? ¡ ! & @ ‘ ’ “ ” « » % * ^ # $ £ € ¢ / ( ) [ ] { } . ,

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Research and Development

Web Layout Development

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

42

Research and Development

Web Layout Development

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Iterations 1

Stock photos retrieved from unsplash.com

Initial Web Layouts From my website analysis’ of Mind, Blurt and MHF’s layouts, I quite like the idea of using boxes and colours to separate different page links. The colours I use would relate to the colour palette choice for each project. To be critical with the multiple box layout, I think it risks being too busy and overwhelming with the blocks of information captioning them. I like how the signature shapes subtly touch on the brand but also keep it clean looking.

In terms of typefaces, Cameo’s logotype full font is too busy and not the right vibe to be used as a typeface. I wanted to keep Cameo’s secondary typeface simple but also professional looking. The fonts used above are Neuzeit Grotesk regular and bold. For short sections of copy, I think the Bold works and then for longer sections of copy, regular would work. As the website is going to display the feature NHS project, I will come back to these designs when I’ve developed the project so I have real assets rather than place-holder to work with.

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Research and Development

NHS Project Name Ideas

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

‘For You’ The name ‘For You’ comes across as something that is personalised and specially made which is what this self-care project is all about. Other names I had jotted down like ‘Care For You’ and ‘Here For You’ could work as a series of ‘For You’ and so I will keep note of these for variation purposes.

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Research and Development

NHS Project: Care Package Contents Ideas

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

45

Research and Development

NHS Project: Aesthetics Moodboard

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

https://www.29cm.co.kr/product/177850

https://www.blurtitout.org

Key themes/ Ideas Simplistic and to the point; Pastel colours combined with bold colours; orange warm tones combined with a neutral pink shade; compact; stop in your steps; nature & scenic; landscapes; abstract but organic; approachable; comfortable; consistent throughout.

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Research and Development

Packaging Developments

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Creating A Packaging Experience: Origami Parcel As I want to keep everything in the care package visually consistent, it raises opportunities to get creative with wrapping some of the essentials in unique ways. Un-boxing parcels can be very satisfying and in a way it can be quite a mindful task as you’re aware of how the paper is folded and how you are opening it. This Origami parcel worked perfectly in terms of size for the tea bags I was sent. I used my photo of the orange rose and created a pattern of the line illustration from it. This design I think works well with it being a repetitive fractal like researched earlier, however the style doesn’t fit with Cameo’s identity and so more developments need to be done to find the correct style for the NHS project.

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Research and Development

Packaging Developments

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Tutorial from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0pVkNDSv-I

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Research and Development

Artist Influence: Zara Picken

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Artist’s work retrieved from Behance: https://tinyurl.com/zdvmme4z

Zara Picken The posters above are a sample from Zara Picken’s ‘Ministry of Optimistic Directives (MOOD)’ motivational poster series. The artist states her inspiration came from propaganda and public information. I like the combination of texture and colour that give the posters a retro style. The use of contrasting typography, cursive and bold serif, I think adds some warmth to the messages and works well with the block illustrations.

Looking at the posters individually and as a set, they convey positive vibes through the style of illustration and the colour palette. When creating my posters, I want to convey a warm tone of voice and something that looks joyful and takes NHS workers away from their working environment, even if it’s just for a split second as they walk past.

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Research and Development

Visual Developments

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

NHS Worker’s everyday items/ tools As my designs are going to be personalised to NHS workers, it could be a good approach to add things they are familiar with. What is usually used to look after patients could be communicated back and used to look after the staff instead.

The fob watch could be used to prompt them ton take their break. The o2 could be used to get them to take a deep breath when they’re going through a stressful time.

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Research and Development

Mixed type (Berkshire Swash & Halyard Display)

Poster Designs: Iteration 1

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Simplified type (Josefin Sans)

Initial sketches

Texture & variation inspired To kick start the poster designs for the NHS worker’s project, I took inspiration from the artist: Zara Picken (on a previous page). I liked the textures used and the variation of fonts so I took these elements and tested them with some illustrations inspired by my collage of hospital equipment. This was also a good chance to see how cameo’s logo would look in context.

From these experiments, I can see that the illustrations look too corporate and goes against my aim to make these posters an ‘escape’ from work life. A more abstract approach may be the best way forward. I also don’t like the orange and cobalt together as a direct combination as it’s too overpowering and corporate. However, I do like how the cobalt looks over the pale pink and it gives the posters a good contrast and dynamic.

When I placed the copy in just one typeface, I realised I prefer the simplicity of it, so this is something I will play with more in further iterations.

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Research and Development

Poster Designs: Iteration 2

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Simple style Having liked the simple typeface (josefin sans) I tried it with these further iterations where I implemented Cameo’s signature shapes. I really liked how these came out and the colour palette works better with cobalt only being used for copy and line illustration.

Although these are more on brand with Cameo with the squiggle line and shapes, the typography still needs work to keep the poster series consistent (full stops, font size, layout).

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Research and Development

Typography Experiments

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Take A Deeeep Breath 1.

3.

Breath 2.

Visual Onomatopoeia It would be interesting for a poster to have some visual onomatopoeia when telling NHS workers to take a deep breath.

Out of all of these experiments, I like no. 4 as it looks softer than experiments 1 and 2 and it’s more on brand with Cameo as it uses the infinity. I also prefer the font I chose for this experiment (Quicksand Bold) as it’s softer on the eye and works well with the composition of shapes.

4.

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Research and Development

Poster Designs: Iterations 3

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Block colour & line illustration As I found that my colour palette worked, I kept with it and tried some more variations of my previous iterations with more block colour. The aim of these posters is to give NHS workers a boost but also to encourage them to take a break.

As I’ve been sent the tea bags to include in the care package, the line “grab yourself a well deserved cuppa’ fits well.

However, I realised that this may be too long for a snappy poster. Just “Cuppa” works better and is a more natural line.

I like how the line drawing works with the shapes but it doesn’t fit as well with Cameo’s brand signature squiggle line that worked on the previous iterations. The font used instead of Josefin sans is Baloo Tamma Regular and I much prefer the rounded nature of it.

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Research and Development

Cut & Print Experiments

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Organic Elements These experiments were to take a step back from the computer and create some shapes that could work instead of the digital shapes I had taken from Cameo’s logotype. Through cutting out leaves and circles, I worked with the offcuts and irregular cuts. I liked how this made some unique compositions and gave me the potential to loosen up my poster designs to give them more of an organic feel.

I also tried to regain the texture I liked from Zara Picken’s poster designs by using my cut outs as a stencil and printing through (bottom right two). However I preferred the cut out shapes as they looked more natural.

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Research and Development

Poster Designs: Iteration 4

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Loose Style After scanning in my cut outs, I placed them into illustrator and replaced the original shapes I had taken from Cameo’s logo. To ensure the designs still stayed consistent with the brand, I kept the signature squiggle line and a variation of two to three shapes in the composition. I think these posters work really well and the info bar at the bottom makes them an effective first point of contact, where the QR code would take NHS workers to Cameo’s website and encourages them to get their care package from the break room (where they would be available). My next development of these will ensure they are consistent as a series and the type is cleaned up.

Originally, I aimed for my designs to be bright and colourful, but from my earlier developments, I noticed that compositions that over use bold colours, make them too overpowering. The pale pink backgrounds on these posters works well to keep the calm tone and then the deep orange that is used as a focal point that draws attention over.

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Research and Development

For You: Type Style Sheet

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Headings: Baloo Tamma- Regular

Ab Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz 0123456789 ¿ ? ¡ ! & @ ‘ ’ “ ” « » % * ^ # $ £ € ¢ / ( ) [ ] { } . , Body Copy (Small sections of text): Quicksand- Bold

Ab Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz 0123456789 ¿ ? ¡ ! & @ ‘ ’ “ ” « » % * ^ # $ £ € ¢ / ( ) [ ] { } . , Longer Body Copy (Limited use for larger sections of text): Quicksand- Regular

Ab Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz 0123456789 ¿ ? ¡ ! & @ ‘ ’ “ ” « » % * ^ # $ £ € ¢ / ( ) [ ] { } . ,

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Research and Development

For You: Colour Palette

Cobalt

Deep Orange

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Dark Turquoise

Light Turquoise

HEX: 004599

C: 94%

HEX: f68d64

C: 2%

HEX: 219e8d

C: 88%

HEX: 79c6b1

C: 53%

R: 0

M: 58%

R: 246

M: 44%

R: 33

M: 5%

R: 121

M: 3%

G: 69

Y: 3%

G: 141

Y: 49%

G: 158

Y: 39%

G: 198

Y: 24%

B: 153

K: 0%

B: 100

K: 0%

B: 141

K: 1%

B: 177

K: 0%

Dark Lilac

Lilac

Pastel Magenta

Pastel Turquoise

HEX: ccccff

C: 17%

HEX: ebebff

C: 7%

HEX: ffeffb

C: 3%

HEX: dff1ec

C: 12%

R: 204

M: 17%

R: 235

M: 5%

R: 255

M: 4%

R: 223

M: 0%

G: 204

Y: 0%

G: 235

Y: 2%

G: 239

Y: 1%

G: 241

Y: 8%

B: 255

K: 0%

B: 255

K: 0%

B: 251

K: 0%

B: 236

K: 0%

Colour Palette The original colours I used were the deep blue for type and line illustration, orange for the focal point, pale magenta for a calm background and a dark lilac for extra graphical elements. I think the colours work really well as a balance and when used consistently in my last set of poster developments, I could visualise how the rest of my deliverables would look. I also discovered how well the turquoises work with the original colour palette. These extra tones and pastels will be useful for variation for my further deliverables.

White HEX: ffffff

C: 0%

R: 255

M: 0%

G: 255

Y: 0%

B: 255

K: 0%

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Research and Development

For You: Base Shapes

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Signature Shapes These shapes will be used consistently through all of my deliverables. The organic shapes touch on my earlier research about how experiencing fractals and nature has a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. Different combinations and compositions will give my designs variety while also keeping everything recognisable as the ‘For You’ Project. I have also included one of Cameo’s signatures (the squiggle line) so it has the brand’s mark on it without it being too overpowering.

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Research and Development

Self-care Pocket Guide: Zine Experiment

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mapping out the Pocket Guide My earlier research on how NHS workers look after themselves and what support is out there now taught me there isn’t enough personalised support. They feel like they can’t take their breaks and are not giving their own wellbeing enough attention. For this experiment, I have taken some of the points from the NHS wellbeing poster and placed them into a mini zine that could work as a pocket guide.

I’ve taken similar shapes as my posters to test how they would work in composition with larger pieces of text. I would say this is a much more inviting way of visualising self-care pointers than a listed poster.

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Research and Development

Self-care Pocket Guide: Developments

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Pocket Guide Spread Developments I developed my zine experiments into some designed spreads using the same shapes from my posters. I like how they are consistent with the posters but still use different compositions. The style also fits in with Cameo’s branding and the logotype works in this context on the reverse cover of the booklet.

To develop these further, I need to work on my copy as there’s bits that don’t quite work. “Healthy you = happy you” may come across as childlike and not as clear as other lines such as “take your deserved break” which is more direct and to the point.

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Research and Development

Self-care Pocket Guide: Test Mock-up

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mock-up from mockups-design.com

Mock-up I’m really pleased with the way these look as mock-ups and it will be good to see the booklet amongst my other designed collateral that will accompany my care package. More developments are needed so the spreads work and the copy is more to the point.

Mock-up from Freepik.com

A6

5.8 inch

Pocket guide dimensions

4.1 inch

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Research and Development

Self-care Self-care Pocket Pocket Guide Guide: FinalFinal Developments Spreads

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Cover

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Research and Development

Self-care Self-care Pocket Pocket Guide Guide: FinalFinal Developments Spreads

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Research and Development

Self-care Self-care Pocket Pocket Guide Guide: FinalFinal Developments Spreads

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Research and Development

Self-care Self-care Pocket Pocket Guide Guide: FinalFinal Developments Spreads

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Research and Development

Self-care Self-care Pocket Pocket Guide Guide: FinalFinal Developments Spreads

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Research and Development

Self-care Self-care Pocket Pocket Guide Guide: FinalFinal Developments Spreads

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Research and Development

Self-care Self-care Pocket Pocket Guide Guide: FinalFinal Developments Spreads

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Research and Development

Poster Designs: Additional Interactive Poster Development

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

NHS Worker’s Kind Words To Colleagues As it’s currently not possible for me to place my designs on a hospital ward, I asked a family member (who is a nurse) if it was possible for the staff on her ward to write down some words of kindness. These would be the sorts of messages that would go on the poster and I think it adds a nice personal touch as the staff would be adding their touch to the project which makes it more interactive and human.

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Research and Development

Care Package Design: Iteration 1

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mock-up bought from Creative Market

Top of box Referring back to the nature photographs I took earlier on, I created a simple block colour interpretation of the Dovestones landscape photograph. I liked how it worked with the signature brand elements and how the design had the potential to cover the entire net. The top left design shows how the hills could trail to the flap where Cameo’s submark would be displayed.

Thinking about the design of the inside of the box, this scenery design would work well on the inside lid as it could resemble an escape to somewhere peaceful. This would fit with the projects’ aim.

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Research and Development

Care Package Design: Iteration 2

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Incorporating Abstract Shapes For my second iteration of the care package design, I’ve stripped it back to the shapes I collated and used for the booklet and poster designs. I think these work really well and also work well with the logo in place. I think it would be best to have the logo on the side of the box rather than it being the main attraction as I think the bottom right layout works better. The name of the project fits will here as it personalises the package to the NHS worker who receives it. I do think that the “For You” looks a bit lost and isolated so more work and developments are needed here.

The way the shapes trail off the side work as well; My next development will have to show how the whole net would look. I tested the line “self-care = better care” as NHS workers are very selfless and always like to put their patients first so it may appeal to them if they know that if they look after themselves, they can better look after their patients. I then realised that this goes against my brief of putting NHS workers first and this project focusing on them.

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Research and Development

Care Package Design: Arrangement Sketch

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Research and Development

Care Package Design: Net Development

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mock-up bought from Creative Market

Net Developments and Test Mock-up Going back to the design of the top of the box, I’ve decided to keep it consistent with the front cover of the self-care pocket guide. Having the project name (For You) with a word that communicates what it is works and ties both the box and booklet together. This arrangement of shapes is a lot cleaner that my previous iterations and I think less is more. It has a calming feel and also is on brand with Cameo with the submark and squiggle line.

I tested out my earlier sketch of a flap within the mock-up and I quite like how the flap will enclose the package’s contents and would also be a nice un-boxing experience. I also thought the flap is a good opportunity to add words on encouragement. Two quotes I have come across in my research have come from Monk: Dalai Lama and author of Good Vibes, Good Life: Vex King. Both are very similar but as I want to keep copy short and to the point, King’s quote is best suited.

“If you feel “burnout” setting in, if you feel demoralised and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself” -Dalai Lama “Sometimes you have to unplug yourself from the world for a moment, so you can reset yourself” -Vex King I also like how the booklet looks next to the package and this gives me the green light to carry on with this style and reflect it onto more assets that are included in the package: Self-care cards, badges, tea package etc.

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Research and Development

Care Package Design: Net Development

Outside Net

Bottom of Box

Top Lid of Box

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Inside Net

Inside of Lid

Flap To Cover Contents

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Research and Development

Reverse side

Self-care Cards: Iteration 1

Example 1

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Example 2

Example 3

Wallet-sized Cards The idea behind the wallet sized cards came from accessibility and a small escape that can be kept in scrub pockets or a bag. Unlike the pocket guide which is more thorough, these cards have the potential to be chosen at random and can give my audience lots of quick self-care ideas and positive prompts when they need it.

Self-care card dimensions (standard playing card size)

Keeping with the same signature shapes, I tried an alternative colour combination. Initially, I only used the pastel shades for backgrounds but I wanted to see how the bolder colours would look. I think they definitely look fun and work well as a series but I’m unsure if they would go well with the rest of my designs.

3.5 inch

2.5 inch 76

Research and Development

Self-care Cards: Iteration 2

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Development This iteration with the paler background I think work a lot better. They’re not too overpowering and still have that calming tone. I also like how the squiggle line trails off the card. It’s almost like the booklet and package design, but zoomed in where the shapes appear larger and have a stronger feature.

77

Research and Development

Wellness Cards: Box Net

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mock-up from mockups-design.com

Mock-up test For the self-care cards box, I followed the same style as the care package and booklet with again, a variation of shape and colour combination. For the purpose of mocking it up to see how it looks with the cards, I designed the top, bottom and sides of the box. Satisfied with the design, my next step is to bring everything together and prepare all the packaging nets so they would be ready for print.

78

Research and Development

Box & Contents: Photography Research

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

From Birchbox: https://tinyurl.com/f399b7cx

Top images from Birchbox: https://tinyurl.com/3h8sz73j

From Birchbox: https://tinyurl.com/3xebr5jr

Birchbox Product Shots Birchbox is a beauty and wellness subscription service that sell monthly bundles of beauty products. Each month, the box design changes and is coherent with the seasons throughout the year. Their product shots on their website all look really appealing and is a good advertisement for people buying the products. Out of the shots above, I prefer the shots with the plainer backgrounds but I think the more natural shots work better for the business’ style. I like how the products look in front of the box and also how the shots of the products inside the box convey that experience you get when you’re opening it.

For my project, I will try my own product photography and how it looks with the box. It will be a good opportunity to show the essential items that will be included: tea, chocolate, sanitiser, hand cream.

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Research and Development

Own Product Photography

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

In a mini pop up studio that my house mate put together, I photographed the products that would be in the care package. The products included are: Yorkshire Tea (sent out for free by the company), Green & Black’s Organic chocolate, Vaseline Advanced repair hand cream and Cuticura hand sanitiser. The funding for these products would come from Cameo’s donations and company contributors like Taylor’s who contributed 200 individually wrapped tea bags and were even open to send more if required.

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Research and Development

Own Product Photography: Contact Sheet

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

These are some of the shots I got in the mini pop up studio. The photos with a flash worked better and appear more professional. I also like the shots where the tea comes out on the base and scattered. I also revisited my origami parcel for the tea bags and photographed it so I can test my design on the tea parcel.

81

Research and Development

Own Product Photography

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

82

Research and Development

Own Product Photography: Mock-up Test

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Origami Tea Parcel I tested my design elements on the tea parcel within Photoshop using clipping masks. I like the shape of the parcel itself and I like how it would enhance the experience of opening the tea but I think the design looks too busy and I would like the paper edges to be rounder so it has a softer look.

83

Research and Development

Own Product Photography: Mock-up Test

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Photo used to make product & box mock-up

Original Box Mock-up bought from Creative Market

Product and Box Standing Using one of my photos, I cut the products out and tested them next my box design to see how they would look taking inspiration from the BIrchbox product shots. Aesthetically, I like how they look, but it was very difficult to match the shadows and lighting of the box itself.

84

Research and Development

Home Page Iteration 2

Web Layout Development (Continued)

Home Page Iteration 3

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Home Page Iteration 4

Stock photos from: Unsplash by @myleon & Luke Jones

Pexels by Laura James

Returning to Web Layouts Now that I’m happy with where I’m at with ‘For You’, I’ve gone back to my web designs for Cameo, where the project will be displayed. I’ve also added small lines of copy that fit with Cameo’s values and I think they work really well when they appear big on the web page. I also tested the page with some stock photography and own photography. I like the rounded shapes used as it gives the design a soft touch. I also prefer the darker pink bar in iteration 4 as it breaks up the block colours more and leads nicely into the projects. Initially for the home page, I wanted to display all the other projects that Cameo will work on, (place holder for students project in design), however I think it would work better if the home page displays ‘For You’ which is Cameo’s feature project. It also stops the first page you come to become too overwhelming like in my very first iteration.

I like the way my fourth iteration is going but I’m not sure about the stock photograph as it gives a very serious feel and I’m wanting a light tone of voice conveyed. I also think the to circles together with the ‘For You’ ident looks too out of place, so more work needs to be done. I also need to work whether to use Cameo’s type face and colour palette or the NHS project’s.

85

Web Layout Development

Role of Graphic Design in Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing

Photograph from: https://tinyurl.com/pxbpsyh8

Research and Development

‘For You’ Project Page I tested how the visual style of the project would look in web format. The purpose of the project being featured here is much like a portfolio, but it’s aim is to inspire other wellbeing social enterprises to pay more attention to the design of their services. I like how the above style looks but I think it’s too far off the style of what the whole website would look like. This is where I went back and tried adding in an image at the top which I think works a lot better for Cameo’s brand but it works less well with the style of ‘For You’.

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