Collaborating on a Digital Mental Health Treatment Prototype: Animation Meets Research

A prototype mental health treatment, delivered as a digital resource, is being developed in York. I’m proud my company is providing art direction and animation services to the project.

Led by health scientists at the University of York, the prototype will be used in an NHS trust to gather data for further development.

The project is led by Lucy Tindall and Philip Kerrigan at the University of York Department of Health Sciences, with two visiting research fellows from the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust, Susan Moore and Matthew O’Brien.

There are two external companies helping deliver the prototype: NIKOLAUS Moving Images And Words Ltd (that’s me) and Hendon Creative.

It’s great to be working alongside Jess Hendon, a subject matter specialist content writer and learning designer. Jess is writing and structuring the digital resource. I will design and illustrate the look and feel of the prototype. Together, we’re identifying where illustration and animation can best support engagement. I will then script, storyboard and produce the artwork and animations.

My phase of the project kicks off this month. Last year, we attended feedback sessions, led by Lucy and Philip, with patients and health care practitioners to gather information that will inform every part of the prototype. Findings from the prototype rollout will guide the next iteration of the treatment.

Excited to be working together to bring this iteration to life, supporting the brilliant health scientists leading the project and the wider team driving its development.

Pictured left to right:

Susan Moore | Matthew O’Brien | Dr. Nikolaus Morris | Dr. Philip Kerrigan | Dr. Lucy Tindall | Dr. Jess Hendon