We Are What We Eat
Translating complex science into a scroll-driven narrative about malnutrition, making the topic more approachable
Role
–
Information Design
Assistantship
Team
–
Malavika Ketan Doshi
Revati Naniwadekar
Kimberly Blacutt
Sage Rohrbach
Stacie Rohrbach
Tools
–
Shorthand
Illustrator
Photoshop
Zotero
Context
We Are What We Eat examines how individuals and families affected by anorexia nervosa access, understand, and engage with information throughout the care process. The project explores ways to communicate complex medical and emotional experiences through design. It is not intended to replace professional medical care.
I joined the project mid-way, contributing from research and script development through to design and implementation within Shorthand.
Problem Space
Information about anorexia nervosa is often buried in academic research or presented in oversimplified online sources
Individuals and families seeking help must navigate a confusing landscape of medical jargon and limited, superficial online content. As a result, many people struggle to recognize the severity of the illness, delaying care and deepening emotional and informational isolation. With this we asked:
Solution Preview
Communicating the scientific and biological consequences of malnutrition in a way that feels less intimidating
For this prototype of We Are What We Eat, we focused on malnutrition, a key aspect that users can explore and learn about. Clear narratives and supportive visuals break down complex biology and physiology and help people and their families feel more confident navigating care and recovery.
Research
Conducting literature reviews across multiple dimensions from neuroscience to psychology
We conducted literature reviews, organizing information by topic across multiple dimensions, including neuroscience, biological, chemical, and psychological aspects. This process helped the team determine how to structure and present complex information in our script-writing.
Copywriting
Anorexia nervosa involves complex scientific concepts and medical terminology that can be confusing for readers
One of our key challenges was translating this material into language that is clear and accessible while preserving scientific accuracy, ensuring that the content is informative without being overwhelming.
User Testing
Feedback revealed that focusing on malnutrition was more effective given the complexity of anorexia
We tested the script with participants of varying ages and levels of scientific literacy to evaluate clarity, accessibility, and engagement. Based on these insights, we reimagined the prototype as a modular section that could sit alongside a broader library of resources on anorexia nervosa, allowing users to explore topics in manageable, focused segments.
Design System
Traditional health materials often rely on textbook-style diagrams and clinical visuals, which can feel intimidating
We developed a visual style, type system, and color palette that guide users through the narrative, creating a more approachable manner.
Key Iterations
Addressing organization, visual abstraction, and platform constraints to refine both structure and presentation
[1] Organization Design
To make the content more approachable, we grouped complex information into thematic buckets organized by body systems or functions, depending on what best fit the material. This structure allowed users to navigate the content logically and understand each concept in context.
[2] Abstraction for Complex Chemical Compositions
For complex topics like hormones and neurotransmitters, we created abstracted visuals and custom icons that reflected the emotions or “vibe” associated with each function. This approach helped convey scientific ideas in a way that was visually engaging and easier for users to grasp.
[3] Shorthand Constraints
Animation was limited to simple reveal effects, and responsive layout constraints required careful attention to grids, hierarchy, and element placement to maintain consistency across devices.
Final Solution
The final prototype focuses on making malnutrition accessible and engaging through interactive storytelling
We Are What We Eat is currently undergoing user testing and further iteration. Here’s a preview of the work completed so far, with my focus on body systems including the endocrine, urinary, and immune systems, and homeostasis. Each page includes links at the bottom to navigate to related content.
[1] Dynamic Movement in Static Images
Subtle reveal animations bring visuals to life, helping users visualize changes caused by malnutrition.
[2] Comparisons through Color
Background and body color changes suggest changes in emotional or physiological states.
[3] Multi-System Perspective
Users can explore the effects of malnutrition across different body systems, providing a holistic understanding of its impact.
Outcome and Next Steps
We Are What We Eat explores alternative ways to present health information beyond traditional clinical documents
The project is currently undergoing user testing to evaluate comprehension and engagement, with insights guiding future refinements to improve clarity, tone, and accessibility.
Reflections
Let Constraints Guide You
One of the biggest challenges in this project was translating complex biological processes and terminology, things that felt natural to me, into visuals that others could easily understand. What helped was thinking within the constraints of scrollytelling: focusing on animation flow, visual hierarchy, and how each element would guide the reader.
Connecting My Science Background
My own experience with the sciences helped me break down complex information into bite chunks. Years of watching Crash Course videos and hours in the lab helped make this project fruitful.
Acknowledgements
This project was a collaborative effort.
I would like to thank Malavika Ketan Doshi and Revati Naniwadekar for their partnership in research and content development, and Kimberly Blacutt and Sage Rohrbach for user testing the script and co-designing the visuals.
Special thanks to Stacie Rohrbach for her mentorship and guidance throughout the project.
And to everyone who participated in user testing or shared feedback, thank you.
Next Project
