Patient Resources for Brain Tumour Support NZ in collaboration with University of Auckland and the Centre for Brain Research
Finding out that you may have a brain tumour is very overwhelming and patients have a lot of questions about what the next steps will be in diagnosis.
The brief was to create a Patient Guide, "Processing Tissue in a Lab" that explains what happens to your tissue sample in a lab. It was to be accessible as a scrolling comic online, as well as a PDF for print.
Comic storytelling was utilized due to its combination of specialized skills to effectively communicate complex scientific procedures through visual storytelling:
Scientific Illustration: I created detailed and accurate visuals depicting laboratory equipment and tissue processing techniques, ensuring clarity and precision in representing scientific concepts.
Graphic Design: I applied principles of layout, typography, and color theory to organize information cohesively, enhancing readability and engagement.
Educational Content Development: I structured the information logically, breaking down complex procedures into digestible segments to facilitate learning and retention.
Visual Communication: Through the use of color, layout, and design elements, I enhanced the readability and appeal of the content, guiding the audience through the material seamlessly.
Empathy and Sensitivity: Recognizing the emotional weight of the topic, I approached the project with care, ensuring the content was informative yet considerate of the audience's potential experiences and feelings.
These combined skills enabled me to create a resource that is both informative and approachable, effectively conveying essential information about what happens in a lab, and hopefully de-mystifying the process so that patients can feel less anxiety about not knowing what is happening to confirm diagnosis.
The patient guide is available on the Brain Tumour Support NZ website.
Professor Neal Curtis was also interviews about the patient guides on RNZ.
“Shortly after meeting Janina (via Zoom) my first impression was quickly enhanced as I found her very easy to talk to and very open to ideas. Once we started on our project to produce four public information comics regarding brain tumours it quickly became evident she was highly professional, very skilled and had a capacity to very quickly understand a brief. We have now had a number of meetings and have already discussed ideas beyond the focus of the project we are currently working on, and I look forward to working with her for some time into the future.”
Professor Neal Curtis, University of Auckland
