What is it that makes brands achieve stand-out and success in the health and wellbeing sector? Sometimes, it’s the innovative use of tech. Sometimes it’s just a great user-driven idea. Other times it’s a cause that absolutely needs to be pursued. This week we’ve seen great examples of each, and we’re taking notes.
– Lego's anxiety reducing project
– Barcode scanning for a healthier lifestyle
– Free period product locator
Lego's confidence build
MRIs are an effective tool for diagnosing a variety of medical conditions, however the idea of getting a scan can be intimidating, especially for children. Erik Ullerlund Staehr, a LEGO group employee, is the brains behind a new LEGO project to create a LEGO MRI scanner set designed to ease children’s anxiety. The kit's designed to help nervy kids understand what's involved in their MRI scan and so remove some of the fear before they enter the MRI machine. LEGO are planning to put the special kits into production and donate them to hospitals’ radiology departments.
Healthy food swaps
With the closure of schools and sports clubs during lockdown, as well as higher exposure to unhealthy food adverts, there’s now a record rise in obesity among children. To encourage healthier food choices, the NHS has introduced its Food Scanner app as part of the Better Health campaign. The app aims to help families make quick and healthier food swaps. By scanning the barcodes of selected shopping items, the app suggests healthier choices and provides ‘Good Choice’ badges for items that’ll help improve diet.
Find free period products
With Scotland becoming the first country in the world to make period products free in 2020 the government is now amping up its commitment with the launch of a new app, PickupMyPeriod. The app directs users to the nearest place that offers free period products, allowing them to filter by product, location and accessibility. The developers, Pogo Studio and Hey Girls worked alongside university students to ensure the app was user-friendly. Additional features include flashcards for menstrual health education and information about general wellbeing. An important step in combatting period poverty.
Sarah Madden, our designer, says: “Another positive step forward for women to be seen and supported. This was one of those times where you think, "I can’t believe this hasn’t existed before". It’s a great example of design and technology supporting health equality and overcoming period poverty.”
