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Award-Winning Storybook Eases Anxiety for Children Facing Medical Appointments Through Relatable Storytelling and Design

"Maples Clinic Visit" is an innovative children's storybook created by designer Bruno Oro to support young patients, particularly those with disabilities, as they face frequent medical appointments. Inspired by the need for accessible and comforting resources, the book follows Maple, a teddy bear who requires orthotics to walk, on a journey through a clinical visit. By presenting medical procedures in a gentle, relatable narrative, the story aims to reduce the anxiety and uncertainty that many children experience in healthcare settings.

The project was realized using user-centered design methodologies, with extensive input from parents, healthcare professionals, and children themselves. Qualitative research, including interviews and observations, informed both the storyline and the vibrant digital illustrations, ensuring the book resonates emotionally with its audience. Iterative prototyping and testing with young readers allowed the team to refine the content, making clinical processes-especially those involving orthotics-more understandable and less intimidating.

"Maples Clinic Visit" stands out for its focus on emotional support and disability awareness, transforming potentially daunting medical experiences into positive learning opportunities. By engaging children in Maple's adventure, the book not only educates but also empowers them to approach their own appointments with greater confidence. Its recognition with the Silver A' Design Award highlights the project's excellence in combining creative storytelling, technical skill, and social impact, setting a new standard for educational resources in pediatric healthcare.

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