For this project, we adapted the PSA for a new audience and explored how changing the genre and medium could increase relatability and engagement with the chosen audience. I chose to create a digital storybook for children that highlights the importance of maintaining physical and mental balance to help them grow up strong and healthy.
How did you select your new audience, and what inspired your choice of genre and medium?
I wanted to choose an audience almost opposite to my previous one, which was the elderly, so I decided to focus on children. I think it’s important for South Asian children to understand that diabetes isn’t something they’re destined to face in the future. The earlier they make healthier choices, the easier it will be for them to grow up feeling better both physically and mentally. I chose to create a storybook because I believe children connect more easily with a central message when it’s presented through fiction, especially with characters like superheroes guiding the lesson. I made it digital so it would be accessible to everyone for free, which seemed like the best option.
What strategies did you use to adapt your topic while maintaining its scientific integrity?
First, I created a story with a South Asian girl as the main character to make it relatable to a community that is close to my heart. Then, I subtly incorporated details about a healthy diet and exercise, avoiding direct explanations and instead taking the reader on an adventure where they could uncover these lessons themselves. I simplified complex concepts, using language that was both engaging and supported by relevant statistics to ensure the information was accessible and meaningful.
How does this new project compare to your PSA in terms of tone and communication style?
The tone is intentionally light to avoid any fear-mongering, as I don’t want children to feel scared of junk food. I understand that junk food is a part of growing up, and that’s okay. What I aim to convey is a sense of balance—showing kids that it’s important to enjoy being a kid while also making decisions that can positively impact their health and shape their future. The PSA was straightforward and fact-driven, whereas the storybook focuses more on encouragement and creating a sense of fun.
What do you think this project achieves that your previous assignments could not?
This project definitely has a level of relatability that I feel was missing from my previous assignments (except my PSA). Since the target audience was more niche, I had to adjust many of my decisions to better meet their needs. I also wanted to ensure that anyone reading the story could find something they could relate to, whether it be their race, gender, or even a love of sweets.
What do you hope your new audience takes away from this project?
I hope this new audience understands that balance is key in life and that diabetes doesn’t have to be an inevitable outcome. It’s about making better choices, without the need to completely deprive yourself of fun or obsess over health. The goal is to focus on becoming a better version of yourself, both mentally and physically.
