I’d love to hear from you — whether you have a project in mind, or just want to connect.
reneelkennedy@outlook.com
Outcomes of Babies with Opioid Exposure (OBOE) Study
The OBOE Study sought to recruit participants to better understand how antenatal opioid exposure affects early infant development. Our goal was to overcome stigma and create an experience where caregivers felt informed, respected, and comfortable participating.
Website
Project Type
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Client
Design Director · Product Design
My Role
Highlights
Empathy-driven design · Perception-refinement · Outcome-oriented design
Live project
Preview
CHALLENGE
Stigma and fear surrounding opioid exposure during pregnancy created hesitation to participate. We needed to make the research experience feel safe, accessible, and trustworthy while clearly communicating its importance.
APPROACH
I aimed to shift the experience from “being studied” to “being part of something meaningful.” Authentic photography, gentle language, and a carefully adapted HEAL brand created a supportive, human-centered experience.
RESULT
We exceeded recruitment goals, enrolling 123 participants. Post-launch, 95% clearly understood the study’s purpose, while 97% felt they had what they needed to decide about enrolling.¹ Among caregivers of opioid-exposed infants, 89% chose to enroll. The site also received a Distinguished Award—the highest honor—in the 2024 STC Carolinas design competition.
An Invite to Be Part of Something Beautiful
Tenderness and connection came through in imagery that celebrated the wonder of new life. “Calling All Babies” and adults guiding little ones through their first steps invited families into the journey—and reminded them that healing takes all of us.
Integrated Interactive Video Tool
An embedded interactive video explained the study in plain language through visuals, animation, voiceover, and a choice of three culturally representative avatars.
A Clear Path to Participation
The mobile experience quickly provided the answers caregivers needed first: Who are you? Who can participate? Where are you located? How do I get involved? Clear navigation and prominent calls to action turned those answers into an intuitive path toward participation.
Sources
¹ OBOE Digital Tool EvaluationLearn More
OBOE Study — RTI.orgMore projects.
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