They had the opportunity to see their previous project from Integrated Studio come to life. They initially thought the project would be about user testing their design, Kete Menemene. They were to be guided by a steering group with input from legal, communication, etc. In order to develop a pitch for the Well Foundation to secure funding.
Tooth decay is the leading cause of a preventable hospital stay. Interactive resources are the most effective teaching tools. Two of the most important things that play can develop are interest and motivation. Tamariki learn to take control of their own dental health. Kete Menemene is a dental health education resource. There are 2 decks of cards to play 3 games. They are for tamariki aged 3 to 13. The set grows with you on your dental health journey. Aimed towards the whole whānau, older tamariki can teach younger ones how to play the games.
Four out of ten tamariki who visit the dentist have tooth decay. In comparison, it is seven out of ten for Māori and Pasifika tamariki. Equitable access to dental services results from a range of systemic challenges. Our mission was to create an enjoyable experience. To inspire attendance. Dissolve the stigma surrounding dentistry. And promote healthy dental habits.
Based on te Tiriti o Waitangi, an ideal health system empowers Māori communities, whānau, and individuals. To prioritise the prevention of injury or disease, and to intervene as early as possible. We have designed Kete Menemene, a comprehensive package for the community. By providing the tools for learning. We equip tamariki with the knowledge to take ownership of their own dental health.
They began user testing the resource to develop a business case for the Well Foundation. They spent a morning at Manukau SuperClinic. Playing with 4-year-olds while they waited for their dental checkup. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. But this context was not in line with their kaupapa. As only 4-year-olds would use it, while in the waiting room, by themselves or with their parent or guardian.
After the Christmas break, they learned that the Well Foundation would not likely be funding their project. As the Well Foundation had already funded another dental health programme called ChildSmile. ChildSmile is to be implemented in West Auckland schools. They see the potential for Kete Menemene to be part of the materials. This context is more appropriate. Tamariki grow with the set. It is a metaphor for the dental journey. Games will excite tamariki about the programme.
The best-case scenario for Kete Menemene would be nationwide implementation as a shared resource amongst classrooms.
Here's what the students said of their experience:
Zora Situ — "The opportunity to work with Good Health Design over the summer has been enriching and worthwhile. It was rewarding to face and overcome the challenges of the real world that we don’t experience in our undergrad. I am grateful to have worked with Luke and Phoebe and for the Patient Experience team and GHD."
Phoebe Lee — "Our summer studentship experience has been an insightful practice into industry. It has been delightful working with Zora and Luke. Along with Allanah and David from the Patient Experience team at Waitematā DHB. I have gained confidence and learned patience as a designer. Although our impact was subtle, I hope we made a positive influence on the visitor experience at Waitākere Hospital."
Luke Bretnall — "My experience working with Good Health Design was a valuable and challenging learning adventure. I use the word adventure because the projects we worked on consisted of many adversities and boundaries. Although these moments were difficult to overcome, these are the environments where designers grow and develop their skills the most. The team at GHD were extremely supportive of our intentions throughout the projects and helped to transfer the tricky situations into invaluable learning experiences."
