COP3 - Primary research - Interview - Seattle Children's Hospital

Proof of how an environment can be changed and be effective through design. 

Zaraa known as (Kitten Chops) is Illustrator and Graphic designer.
one of her most noteworthy works is the impact she was able to make within her work for Seattle Children's hospital. Contact was made with Zaraa on facebook.

She provided imagery from the interview from the before and after of her input, this really illustrates the importance of good design in a medical environment and gives context to what she says in her interview.

This design especially is a consideration of its surroundings, the darkness that the room could be a downfall for this environment and be intimidating and scary for a child to experience, however, the way the work has been applied (glow in the dark)

Without considering the environment before applying this design this would not be effective therefor pushing the point further that an environment needs to be considered in this environment.

Q: What was the brief for this work?

The main brief; primary objective was to provide a relaxing, safe, fun environment for patients and staff. Work needs to align with the overall branding of the hospital, localize the hospital to the city it is in/to the native natural environment it is in. This provides a familiarity and feeling of comfort right away. Kids are ages 0-21, a huge age range. Art needs to work well with the architectural elements and designs.

Q: What was the Inspiration for the work?

A: Local natural environment, native flora fauna.

Q: How were the colours chosen for the work?

The 4 main colours were already part of the hospital branding and the already existing colour coded wayfinding system. (you might see this better on the images)

Q: What were the restrictions on the work?

A: The work must be appropriate for ALL kids ages 0-21, art needs to be sophisticated, calming etc…  as in the brief above. obviously be on time and budget, these are a given.

Q: Were there any designs that you presented that were rejected?

A: no designs were rejected, once the concept presentation is accepted I work based on that. The client knows what to expect, there are no surprises, it is a given that the art delivers for all points of the brief

Q: Did you receive any responses to the work you created from children or parents?

I got several very positive responses from parents who told me what a difference the art made for their visit. I have heard that kids at the surgery wait area were seen licking the strawberry photo collage parts and staff have thanked me for a lovely work environment, kids don’t write emails and I don’t hang out there either to meet them.