The Role of Graphic Design and Removing Public Stigmatization of
Mental Illness in Rural China
The Purpose of Study
Rural Chinese residents commonly hold discriminations and negative attitudes toward mental illness patients. Because of the deep rooted cultural background, lack of mental illness knowledge, and limited access to medical resources. Therefore, this thesis project aims to build an education program, which will focus on raising awareness, creating space and experience, and building connection, to reduce the public stigmatization on mental illness in rural China.
Scoop of the Work
Research
Background research and define problem space
Design Ideas
Developing multiple solutions and pursue the best approaches
Visual Outcomes
Executing visual body of work by using various design forms
Target Audience
Rural Residents
25 - 45 Years Old
Have Family Members or Friends Who are Struggling With Mental Illness
Visual Body of Work
General Awareness Social Campaigns
Create basic knowledge and awareness of existing public stigmatization on mental illness.
"FEEL YOUR MIND" Education Program first design intervention is using graphic languages to depict the public stigmatizing attitudes attached to mental illness. These social campaigns will also display at high traffic spots, like subway or bus stop to attract people's attention.
"FEEL YOUR MIND" Immersive Event
Create an interactive and immersive experiences for visitors also provide design support materials.
"FEEL YOUR MIND" Education Program Second design intervention is cooperating with existing psychiatric exhibits to visualize the mentally ill individuals' worlds through their views.
MINDFULL App
A mobile app that support mentally ill individuals and their family members.
"FEEL YOUR MIND" Education Program third design intervention partner with the Chinese government and psychiatrist hospital to launch "MINDFULL" App during 'Free Clinic Day'. 'MINDFULL' provide people with various forms of mental illness help, free transportation, insurance details, doctors and hospitals, and supportive community.