What we did
During this project we conducted interviews, coded and analyzed transcripts, formulated design methodologies and frameworks, built personas, synthesized insights, and developed co-design protocols. We prepared our research and our in-process work for frequent design reviews. The final concept was designed to address the experience of our users, mindful of their larger social, political, and personal context. On this small team everyone worked on all aspects of the project, and met with our users multiple times a week.
Project Story
Maternal mortality rates in the United States have been increasing, and births attended by a doula have been shown to have better health outcomes than births without a doula. How does our medical system make birth more dangerous in the US, compared to other developed countries? And what do doulas provide that has such an impact? We worked with local doulas, as well as other birth advocates and activists, to collaboratively create a design that would improve their lives. Through interviews we learned that doulas play an important role caring for and educating birthing people, but they do their work amidst a complicated and sometimes hostile system. People who need doulas often can’t afford them, even if they know a doula is an option – this is especially true for people most at risk in our medical system, such as parents of color. The labor of birth is hidden by taboo and lack of public information, which is further compounded by inequitable systems. We designed a public campaign to increase awareness of doulas, and birth generally. The campaign is designed to offer important information and resources to birthing people, make doulas and the work they do more visible, and connect people to one another. We hope that one day all pregnant people can say: “My body, my baby, my choice. I know my options.”
