Struckmann Studio
The Elephant in The Room
Rigshospitalet
Concept, Visual Identity
(2021)
A communication tool to facilitate dialogue around diffi-
cult feelings between parent and child in families with chronic illness. A project in collaboration with the nephrological department at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen.
Children as Relatives
Preliminary research showed that children's wellbeing is only investigated when they are relatives to the terminally ill or to those that have passed away. Interventions are therefore particularly targeted at children in grief, while homes with long-term chronic illness are overlooked. There seems to be a lack of tools and procedures for both hospital staff and affected homes when it comes to the communication with children that have chronically ill family members.
a. 'Elefanten I Rummet' is a dialogue tool that consists of abstract stickers, an adult guide, dialogue cards and a drawing pad. This kit is designed for families struggling with the communication about chronic illness.
a.
Keeping It Abstract
The stickers come in varying shapes and colours. They are abstract in order to stimulate open expression, keeping the child engaged, and to avoid leading the conversation in a predetermined direction. The purpose of the stickers is to support the child in communicating visually as a means to express feelings that are difficult described verbally.
Creating a Safe Space
To facilitate the best space possible for constructive dialogue, the 'Adult Guide' was created. The guide supports the adult in managing the dialogue, making it a comfortable and safe experience for both child and adult.
Spreading Awareness
In order to make the chronically ill patient and potential parent aware of the dialogue tool, we created a small series of posters to be put up in Righospitalet. The posters refer to the website created in the name of 'Elefanten I Rummet'. This website informs patients of the tool, our research and share the works of children as relatives. The website is also made to be a platform of expansion for other kits designed for children that are relatives to parents struggling with different kinds of chronic illness.
b. 'Elefanten I Rummet' is mentioned in an article by Danish Kidney Association (Nyreforeningen) and has been developed in collaboration with graphic designer; Silke Hoelgaard, Stella Sköld og Anne Marie Tarrasson Hove.
As part of an exam project, 'Elefanten I Rummet' is a fictional tool created at The Danish Royal Academy.
b.