Context
Created as part of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, Chum was developed independently in our spare time. It tackles the question "How might we reduce anxiety in Children facing cancer?"
Through interactive stories, games, and relaxation techniques, it simplifies complex medical concepts - providing support for both children and parents.
Team
1 designer
1 business analyst
1 researcher
My responsibilities
UX & UI design
Graphic design
Service design
Animation
Presentation & storytelling
Awards
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow runners up
Context
Created as part of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, Chum was developed independently in our spare time. It tackles the question "How might we reduce anxiety in Children facing cancer?"
Through interactive stories, games, and relaxation techniques, it simplifies complex medical concepts - providing support for both children and parents.
Team
1 designer
1 business analyst
1 researcher
My responsibilities
UX & UI design
Graphic design
Service design
Animation
Presentation & storytelling
Awards
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow runners up
Context
Created as part of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, Chum was developed independently in our spare time. It tackles the question "How might we reduce anxiety in Children facing cancer?"
Through interactive stories, games, and relaxation techniques, it simplifies complex medical concepts - providing support for both children and parents.
Team
1 designer
1 business analyst
1 researcher
My responsibilities
UX & UI design
Graphic design
Service design
Animation
Presentation & storytelling
Awards
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow runners up
Chum meditation animation
Chum winning the "Runners Up" prize at the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition
Chum meditation animation
Chum winning the "Runners Up" prize at the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition
Chum meditation animation
Chum winning the "Runners Up" prize at the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition
Understanding the problem
During her placement at the Addenbrooke's Paediatric Oncology department, Sam (one of our team members) witnessed first-hand the anxiety many children experience in a medical setting. She also observed how education could transform these moments, helping young patients better understand complex medical concepts.
Inspired by this, we created Chum to help reduce anxiety and increase understanding among young cancer patients.
Understanding the problem
During her placement at the Addenbrooke's Paediatric Oncology department, Sam (one of our team members) witnessed first-hand the anxiety many children experience in a medical setting. She also observed how education could transform these moments, helping young patients better understand complex medical concepts.
Inspired by this, we created Chum to help reduce anxiety and increase understanding among young cancer patients.
Understanding the problem
During her placement at the Addenbrooke's Paediatric Oncology department, Sam (one of our team members) witnessed first-hand the anxiety many children experience in a medical setting. She also observed how education could transform these moments, helping young patients better understand complex medical concepts.
Inspired by this, we created Chum to help reduce anxiety and increase understanding among young cancer patients.
Cancer treatment can be harsh and confusing for patients and close family
Cancer treatment can be harsh and confusing for patients and close family
Cancer treatment can be harsh and confusing for patients and close family
Research approach
To better understand the problem, we conducted surveys, interviews, and expert review sessions with stakeholders. This included paediatric doctors, play nurses, children and their parents.
Research approach
To better understand the problem, we conducted surveys, interviews, and expert review sessions with stakeholders. This included paediatric doctors, play nurses, children and their parents.
Research approach
To better understand the problem, we conducted surveys, interviews, and expert review sessions with stakeholders. This included paediatric doctors, play nurses, children and their parents.
"I will try anything to help our 6 year old understand what happened to him.
The kids are always on iPads so it’s a fantastic way for them to pick up bits."
Interviewed parents
"I will try anything to help our 6 year old understand what happened to him.
The kids are always on iPads so it’s a fantastic way for them to pick up bits."
Interviewed parents
"I will try anything to help our 6 year old understand what happened to him.
The kids are always on iPads so it’s a fantastic way for them to pick up bits."
Interviewed parents
Screenshot of interview with paediatric play nurses
Screenshot of interview with paediatric play nurses
Screenshot of interview with paediatric play nurses
Through desk research, we were able to validate the observations shared by healthcare professionals regarding the power of educational metaphors and storytelling in alleviating anxiety.
Through desk research, we were able to validate the observations shared by healthcare professionals regarding the power of educational metaphors and storytelling in alleviating anxiety.
Through desk research, we were able to validate the observations shared by healthcare professionals regarding the power of educational metaphors and storytelling in alleviating anxiety.
Storytelling increases oxytocin and positive emotions while decreasing cortisol and pain in hospitalised children.
Data from Brockington, Storytelling Oxytocin, 2021
Storytelling increases oxytocin and positive emotions while decreasing cortisol and pain in hospitalised children.
Data from Brockington, Storytelling Oxytocin, 2021
Storytelling increases oxytocin and positive emotions while decreasing cortisol and pain in hospitalised children.
Data from Brockington, Storytelling Oxytocin, 2021
Key insights & opportunities
01
Children experience anxiety around the unknown
Children going through their cancer journey experience anxiety due to a number of reasons, including:
Unknown procedures such as chemotherapy, portacath insertions and MRI scans.
Side effects such as the loss of their hair made children scared and isolated.
Overnight hospital stays.
Not understanding changes in routine, and the unknown of missing out on school and their friends.
02
Education and stories can alleviate this anxiety
Storytelling reduces anxiety by fostering positive emotions and making complex concepts easier to understand. It can help children feel calmer and more in control during treatment.
03
Unequal access to paediatric hospital education
The quality of education accessible through hospitals varies greatly, leaving many children and parents without the resources they need to feel informed and supported.
Snippet of mapped user journeys and potential opportunities for children and parents
04
Information overload and communication challenges for parents
Parents often experience significant stress and can find themselves getting trapped in a rabbit hole of negativity while searching for information on Google.
Additionally, some parents struggle to explain cancer-related terms to their children in a way that is both age-appropriate and comforting.
05
Isolation and boredom during hospital stays
Long hospital stays can feel isolating and dull for children, adding to their stress. Engaging activities provide much-needed entertainment, helping to distract and comfort them during their treatment journey.
06
Lack of comprehensive child-centred support systems
While many tools exist for adult patients, there’s a lack of child-focused solutions that combine education, emotional support, and entertainment.
This gap presents an opportunity to create a platform tailored to the unique needs of young patients and their families.
Competitor analysis showed there was a potential gap in the market
Key insights & opportunities
01
Children experience anxiety around the unknown
Children going through their cancer journey experience anxiety due to a number of reasons, including:
Unknown procedures such as chemotherapy, portacath insertions and MRI scans.
Side effects such as the loss of their hair made children scared and isolated.
Overnight hospital stays.
Not understanding changes in routine, and the unknown of missing out on school and their friends.
02
Education and stories can alleviate this anxiety
Storytelling reduces anxiety by fostering positive emotions and making complex concepts easier to understand. It can help children feel calmer and more in control during treatment.
03
Unequal access to paediatric hospital education
The quality of education accessible through hospitals varies greatly, leaving many children and parents without the resources they need to feel informed and supported.
Snippet of mapped user journeys and potential opportunities for children and parents
04
Information overload and communication challenges for parents
Parents often experience significant stress and can find themselves getting trapped in a rabbit hole of negativity while searching for information on Google.
Additionally, some parents struggle to explain cancer-related terms to their children in a way that is both age-appropriate and comforting.
05
Isolation and boredom during hospital stays
Long hospital stays can feel isolating and dull for children, adding to their stress. Engaging activities provide much-needed entertainment, helping to distract and comfort them during their treatment journey.
06
Lack of comprehensive child-centred support systems
While many tools exist for adult patients, there’s a lack of child-focused solutions that combine education, emotional support, and entertainment.
This gap presents an opportunity to create a platform tailored to the unique needs of young patients and their families.
Competitor analysis showed there was a potential gap in the market
Key insights & opportunities
01
Children experience anxiety around the unknown
Children going through their cancer journey experience anxiety due to a number of reasons, including:
Unknown procedures such as chemotherapy, portacath insertions and MRI scans.
Side effects such as the loss of their hair made children scared and isolated.
Overnight hospital stays.
Not understanding changes in routine, and the unknown of missing out on school and their friends.
02
Education and stories can alleviate this anxiety
Storytelling reduces anxiety by fostering positive emotions and making complex concepts easier to understand. It can help children feel calmer and more in control during treatment.
03
Unequal access to paediatric hospital education
The quality of education accessible through hospitals varies greatly, leaving many children and parents without the resources they need to feel informed and supported.
Snippet of mapped user journeys and potential opportunities for children and parents
04
Information overload and communication challenges for parents
Parents often experience significant stress and can find themselves getting trapped in a rabbit hole of negativity while searching for information on Google.
Additionally, some parents struggle to explain cancer-related terms to their children in a way that is both age-appropriate and comforting.
05
Isolation and boredom during hospital stays
Long hospital stays can feel isolating and dull for children, adding to their stress. Engaging activities provide much-needed entertainment, helping to distract and comfort them during their treatment journey.
06
Lack of comprehensive child-centred support systems
While many tools exist for adult patients, there’s a lack of child-focused solutions that combine education, emotional support, and entertainment.
This gap presents an opportunity to create a platform tailored to the unique needs of young patients and their families.
Competitor analysis showed there was a potential gap in the market
Concept development
Initial flows and wireframes were iteratively refined through professional feedback from Dr Amos Burke (Head of Paediatric Oncology at Addenbrookes) and other professionals, ensuring medical accuracy and age-appropriate design.
Concept development
Initial flows and wireframes were iteratively refined through professional feedback from Dr Amos Burke (Head of Paediatric Oncology at Addenbrookes) and other professionals, ensuring medical accuracy and age-appropriate design.
Concept development
Initial flows and wireframes were iteratively refined through professional feedback from Dr Amos Burke (Head of Paediatric Oncology at Addenbrookes) and other professionals, ensuring medical accuracy and age-appropriate design.
One of the aspects we continually iterated on was the wording. It was crucial that the language used would introduce new concepts without frightening children.
Anthropomorphic animals were introduced to demonstrate medical procedures in a friendly way, avoiding showing the procedures being performed on the child’s avatar.
One of the aspects we continually iterated on was the wording. It was crucial that the language used would introduce new concepts without frightening children.
Anthropomorphic animals were introduced to demonstrate medical procedures in a friendly way, avoiding showing the procedures being performed on the child’s avatar.
One of the aspects we continually iterated on was the wording. It was crucial that the language used would introduce new concepts without frightening children.
Anthropomorphic animals were introduced to demonstrate medical procedures in a friendly way, avoiding showing the procedures being performed on the child’s avatar.
Initial wireframes
Final revision of a screen
Initial wireframes
Final revision of a screen
Initial wireframes
Final revision of a screen
The solution
A connected app and service that reduces anxiety around cancer through educational stories, games and relaxation techniques
The solution
A connected app and service that reduces anxiety around cancer through educational stories, games and relaxation techniques
The solution
A connected app and service that reduces anxiety around cancer through educational stories, games and relaxation techniques
Customisation & personalisation
Kids create an avatar to reflect their personality and appear alongside their selected chum.
This level of personalisation helps children feel involved and can reflect any real life changes, such as loss of hair.
Customisation & personalisation
Kids create an avatar to reflect their personality and appear alongside their selected chum.
This level of personalisation helps children feel involved and can reflect any real life changes, such as loss of hair.
Customisation & personalisation
Kids create an avatar to reflect their personality and appear alongside their selected chum.
This level of personalisation helps children feel involved and can reflect any real life changes, such as loss of hair.
Customisable avatars
Chums guide children through educational stories
Customisable avatars
Chums guide children through educational stories
Customisable avatars
Chums guide children through educational stories
Stories & metaphors
Interactive stories help kids and parents to explore their disease through easy to understand metaphors.
We collaborated with paediatric oncologists to come up with simple imagery for complex concepts.
For example, we used the metaphor of a library to explain that cancer is caused by a small error in DNA - and is not their fault (as shown above).
Stories & metaphors
Interactive stories help kids and parents to explore their disease through easy to understand metaphors.
We collaborated with paediatric oncologists to come up with simple imagery for complex concepts.
For example, we used the metaphor of a library to explain that cancer is caused by a small error in DNA - and is not their fault (as shown above).
Stories & metaphors
Interactive stories help kids and parents to explore their disease through easy to understand metaphors.
We collaborated with paediatric oncologists to come up with simple imagery for complex concepts.
For example, we used the metaphor of a library to explain that cancer is caused by a small error in DNA - and is not their fault (as shown above).
Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises can aid children in managing anxiety
Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises can aid children in managing anxiety
Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises can aid children in managing anxiety
Existing physcial reward programmes such as Beads of Courage could be integrated with Chum
Existing physcial reward programmes such as Beads of Courage could be integrated with Chum
Existing physcial reward programmes such as Beads of Courage could be integrated with Chum
Physical toys can be used to demonstrate procedures in a friendly way
Physical toys can be used to demonstrate procedures in a friendly way
Physical toys can be used to demonstrate procedures in a friendly way
Games & meditation
Games are used to educate and entertain. It was important that scary procedures were made less intimidating through play.
Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, also provide a valuable way to ease the stress of intimidating treatments and long waits.
Connected to the physical world
The Chum platform connects to the physical world by including a physical toy of a chum. This can be used by doctors or parents to help explain medical procedures in a tangible and child-friendly way.
Chum also could integrate existing reward schemes such as Beads of Courage. This incentivises treatment and celebrate milestones for children.
Games & meditation
Games are used to educate and entertain. It was important that scary procedures were made less intimidating through play.
Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, also provide a valuable way to ease the stress of intimidating treatments and long waits.
Connected to the physical world
The Chum platform connects to the physical world by including a physical toy of a chum. This can be used by doctors or parents to help explain medical procedures in a tangible and child-friendly way.
Chum also could integrate existing reward schemes such as Beads of Courage. This incentivises treatment and celebrate milestones for children.
Games & meditation
Games are used to educate and entertain. It was important that scary procedures were made less intimidating through play.
Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, also provide a valuable way to ease the stress of intimidating treatments and long waits.
Connected to the physical world
The Chum platform connects to the physical world by including a physical toy of a chum. This can be used by doctors or parents to help explain medical procedures in a tangible and child-friendly way.
Chum also could integrate existing reward schemes such as Beads of Courage. This incentivises treatment and celebrate milestones for children.
The dictionary in the "Grown ups" section
The dictionary in the "Grown ups" section
The dictionary in the "Grown ups" section
Grown ups
Whilst conducting interviews, a need was found for a “Grown-ups section”:
A
cancer terminology dictionaryto help prevent unnecessary googlingA
calendarto mark appointments, this will also allow the platform to present relevant stories or games in a timely mannerA
directoryof where to get support from external sources
Grown ups
Whilst conducting interviews, a need was found for a “Grown-ups section”:
A
cancer terminology dictionaryto help prevent unnecessary googlingA
calendarto mark appointments, this will also allow the platform to present relevant stories or games in a timely mannerA
directoryof where to get support from external sources
Grown ups
Whilst conducting interviews, a need was found for a “Grown-ups section”:
A
cancer terminology dictionaryto help prevent unnecessary googlingA
calendarto mark appointments, this will also allow the platform to present relevant stories or games in a timely mannerA
directoryof where to get support from external sources
An overview of how the Chum's service could operate
An overview of how the Chum's service could operate
An overview of how the Chum's service could operate
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow
Chum came 3rd in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition.
This involved a rigorous process with multiple stages of selection across the UK.
The competition concluded with a final seven minute live presentation to a panel of experts, followed by a Q&A session.
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow
Chum came 3rd in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition.
This involved a rigorous process with multiple stages of selection across the UK.
The competition concluded with a final seven minute live presentation to a panel of experts, followed by a Q&A session.
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow
Chum came 3rd in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition.
This involved a rigorous process with multiple stages of selection across the UK.
The competition concluded with a final seven minute live presentation to a panel of experts, followed by a Q&A session.
A final presentation was shown to industry leaders from across the tech industry at the Samsung and Digital Catapult headquarters
A final presentation was shown to industry leaders from across the tech industry at the Samsung and Digital Catapult headquarters
A final presentation was shown to industry leaders from across the tech industry at the Samsung and Digital Catapult headquarters
Chum at the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition
Chum at the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition
Chum at the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition
"This could make a tangible difference to these children’s lives for the better."
Phil Brace
CEO of Little Princess Trust
"This could make a tangible difference to these children’s lives for the better."
Phil Brace
CEO of Little Princess Trust
"This could make a tangible difference to these children’s lives for the better."
Phil Brace
CEO of Little Princess Trust
