OCD Awareness
Summary
Developed for a mental health exhibition at Miami University, this multi-faceted project focuses on dismantling common misconceptions about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Informed by my own experience , the visual system moves away from stereotypical representations of the condition to explore the true psychological complexity of intrusive thoughts and repetitive compulsions. The resulting installation combines large-scale environmental design with tactile, educational handouts to create an immersive, stigma-breaking experience. I wanted to educate the audience on why it is offensive to use OCD as an adjective.
Solutions
I utilized an intentional typographic and structural layout to mirror the internal experience of OCD. The centerpiece of the exhibition is a large-scale poster constructed of multiple individual tiles. This tiled approach visually represents the overlapping, recurring patterns of thoughts, creating a striking mosaic that requires viewers to look closer to see the full picture. The color palette and typography balance an urgent, attention-grabbing tone with clean, highly readable layouts to keep the focus on education. To extend the impact of the installation beyond the exhibition space, I designed a cohesive editorial brochure that breaks down clinical facts into digestible, compassionate sections. Accompanied by minimalist, high-contrast typography stickers, the handouts serve as physical, pocket-sized reminders of the campaign’s core message long after the audience leaves the exhibit.
Deliverables
I created A large-scale, multi-tile installation poster engineered to create structural texture and visual impact within a public gallery space, a print-layout brochure containing structured typography, iconography, and editorial copy breaking down OCD facts versus myths. Alongside, a series of high-contrast awareness stickers designed as interactive takeaway items for exhibition attendees.
My Role
I was responsible for the complete conceptualization, visual identity, and physical production of the exhibition assets. My role included writing, designing a large-scale modular installation poster, writing and formatting an educational brochure, and creating custom tactile handouts to maximize attendee engagement. I then installed the exhibit at our campus library alongside my cohort.
