MindSpace: Mental Health First Aid Kit

Veronica Weinberg, Stamps School of Art & Design

Collaborators: Sara Duque, Ross; Bemnet Shibeshi, SI

Our project is MindSpace, a Mental Health First Aid Kit for all audiences. This is interdisciplinary because it requires knowledge from multiple fields such as psychology, information design, packaging design, and graphic design, as well as entrepreneurship. The goal of the kit is to provide an accessible resource that is both practical and accommodating for individuals in crisis, offering tools for emotional support and self-care. The interdisciplinary approach ensures input from all perspectives – not just in the creation, but in the delivery and the use of the product.

The arts are an essential facet of this project. We will be designing journaling booklets, informational graphics, our visual identity, and the packaging of the product itself. Through visual art and graphic design, we will assemble materials that are visually appealing and emotionally resonant. Color theory, Gestalt principles, and product design theory will be used to transform clinical or intimidating information into calming cues that encourage users to address their needs.

Each team member brings unique, specialized knowledge in technology, art and design, business strategies, and other areas. This diversity of expertise allows us to approach the project from multiple angles, enriching our overall solution and ensuring that we create a well-rounded and innovative product. The primary challenge lies in combining all areas of expertise to ensure that the kit is comprehensive and inclusive in all cultural and emotional
values. Overcoming this lies in conducting holistic research that encompasses a population with diverse backgrounds, worldviews, and experiences.

We anticipate carrying out the project in various phases: research, design, prototyping and customer testing, all of which will be complete by April at the latest. We have established a leader, a communications head, and a design lead. Each phase will be a blend of skill and roles to create a thoroughly researched and prototyped product, in order to provide the best possible experience.

The impact on campus in the local community would be significant. By providing an easily accessible mental health resource, we hope to reduce stigma and encourage individuals to support their mental health needs. This project will provide tangible tools for self-care and promote mental well-being. Having a toolkit in-house would be invaluable to those who cannot afford or travel to a therapist, saving money and time for minor stress management.

With experience in illustration, graphic design, typography, and Adobe Suite, we are equipped to create visually appealing, user-centered materials and dynamic content. Our experience in publication technology further supports the production of high-quality work. Leadership experience in event organization and project management ensures smooth coordination, while skills in marketing will help us reach and resonate with a wide audience in the branding and outreach for the product’s campaign. Additionally, our background in business management will guide budgeting, resource allocation, and overall project organization. With strong UX design and research expertise, we can ensure our solution is inclusive, accessible, and based onmreal-world insights, combining these strengths to create a comprehensive, innovative, and practical project.