Breaking the Stigma: Supporting BIPOC Women’s Mental Health Through Infertility (Case Study)
Role
UX/UI, Visual Design, UX Research. Slide Deck
UX/UI, Visual Design, UX Research. Slide Deck
Team
2 Designers, 2 Researchers, 1 Project Manager
2 Designers, 2 Researchers, 1 Project Manager
Design Tools
Figma, Illustrator
Figma, Illustrator
Timeline
Sept 2024 - Dec 2024
Sept 2024 - Dec 2024
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Overview
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Problem Statement
Infertility disproportionately impacts the mental health of BIPOC women due to disadvantages caused by systemic barriers and inequalities. “The emotional stress caused by infertility may also lead to depression, anxiety, decreased quality of life, and potentially the feeling that they are “flawed as women." This dilemma, coupled with the societal expectation to have children and misconceptions perpetuated by their families, has stigmatized infertility.
Infertility disproportionately impacts the mental health of BIPOC women due to disadvantages caused by systemic barriers and inequalities. “The emotional stress caused by infertility may also lead to depression, anxiety, decreased quality of life, and potentially the feeling that they are “flawed as women." This dilemma, coupled with the societal expectation to have children and misconceptions perpetuated by their families, has stigmatized infertility.
Proposed Solution
Foster Understanding
Bridge cultural and generational divide between 1st and 2nd generation immigrants
Reduce Stigma
Breaking down harmful misconceptions and encourage others to be part of the conversation
Supportive Communities
Creating safe spaces for BIPOC women to share their stories, advice, and experiences without judgement
Research
Findings
lack of diversity within the reproductive healthcare field
divide between first and second-generation immigrant families.
Disparities in the accessibility to and utilization of infertility counselling and treatment were prevalent, especially among BIPOC women, even in regions where there are mandates that insurance coverage includes infertility treatment, disparities by race and education persist (Chin et al., 2015).
Cultural beliefs in the BIPOC community have a direct impact on both mental health and attitudes toward learning more about infertility. Cultural beliefs may affect the help-seeking behaviour of infertile patients (Kirubarajan et al., 2021).
lack of diversity within the reproductive healthcare field
divide between first and second-generation immigrant families.
Disparities in the accessibility to and utilization of infertility counselling and treatment were prevalent, especially among BIPOC women, even in regions where there are mandates that insurance coverage includes infertility treatment, disparities by race and education persist (Chin et al., 2015).
Cultural beliefs in the BIPOC community have a direct impact on both mental health and attitudes toward learning more about infertility. Cultural beliefs may affect the help-seeking behaviour of infertile patients (Kirubarajan et al., 2021).
Brainstorming: Understanding the Problem & Finding a Solution
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Persona: Meet Aleena
Aleena is a 32-year-old woman eager to embrace motherhood, but her challenges with natural conception have led her to panic about her fertility. As a child of immigrant parents, she has been grappling not only with the possibility of infertility but also with generational differences and stigma surrounding this topic.
She wants to find a community where she can relate to other members, and get informed on infertility.
Aleena is a 32-year-old woman eager to embrace motherhood, but her challenges with natural conception have led her to panic about her fertility. As a child of immigrant parents, she has been grappling not only with the possibility of infertility but also with generational differences and stigma surrounding this topic.
She wants to find a community where she can relate to other members, and get informed on infertility.
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User Journey Map
Aleena is a 32-year-old woman eager to embrace motherhood, but her challenges with natural conception have led her to panic about her fertility. As a child of immigrant parents, she has been grappling not only with the possibility of infertility but also with generational differences and stigma surrounding this topic. She wants to find a community where she can relate to other members, and get informed on infertility.
Aleena is a 32-year-old woman eager to embrace motherhood, but her challenges with natural conception have led her to panic about her fertility. As a child of immigrant parents, she has been grappling not only with the possibility of infertility but also with generational differences and stigma surrounding this topic. She wants to find a community where she can relate to other members, and get informed on infertility.
Visual Design
LogoHeart + Monstera Leaf + PS = Plantal Support Logo
Mystic Grape
#481B75
Lavendar
#D6C8FC
Peach Orange
#FFCAA1
Honeydew
#C2F6B9
Orchid Pink
#FCC8EA
Soft Daffodil
#FEF8C3
Lavendar Blush
#784AFA + #FFB6E6
Peony Haze
#FFC2F5 + #FFBDBD
Sunburst
#FFEC40 + #FF4747
Pastel Meadow
#99F4B2 + #FEF8C3
Colours
Row 1: Primary Colours
Row 2: Secondary Colours
Row 3: Gradients
Row 1: Primary Colours
Row 2: Secondary Colours
Row 3: Gradients
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Visual Design
- We take your privacy seriously
- Culturally relevant resources
- Addressing stigma concerns
- Group therapy
- Tailored to you
- Pin recources
- Change language
- Family board
Profile Icons
Tea Green:
Olivine:
Evergreen:
Soft Ivory:
Tea Green:
Olivine:
Evergreen:
Soft Ivory:
Key Features
We designed our product to bridge the cultural and generational divide between 1st and 2nd generation immigrants, foster understanding, and reduce stigma. We decided to focus on creating a safe and supportive community for BIPOC individuals and families, ensuring accessibility and knowledge among diverse user groups.
Feature #1
Translating
Eliminates language barriers, allowing Aleena to send resources to her family in their native tongue.
Family members will also be able to navigate through Willow in the language of their choice
Eliminates language barriers, allowing Aleena to send resources to her family in their native tongue.
Family members will also be able to navigate through Willow in the language of their choice
Feature #2
TherapyA filtering system to find therapists with necessary cultural understanding is suggested based on users’ preferences.
Whether you prefer individual, group, or partner therapy, you can confidently book sessions, knowing that the suggested therapists are qualified and culturally competent.
Whether you prefer individual, group, or partner therapy, you can confidently book sessions, knowing that the suggested therapists are qualified and culturally competent.
Feature #3
Invite Invite their family and friends to Willow
Access a private shared board in the language of their choosing
Pinning specific blog posts and resources for invited members to view.
See group therapy appointments and reminders.
Access a private shared board in the language of their choosing
Pinning specific blog posts and resources for invited members to view.
See group therapy appointments and reminders.
Feature #4
Therapy
Users share their stories and advice with people of similar cultures
Join safe, moderated groups
Read testimonies and forums
Users share their stories and advice with people of similar cultures
Join safe, moderated groups
Read testimonies and forums
Takeaways
