Background
My First Pill is an inspiring collection of memoirs from patients undergoing HIV cocktail treatment, published by the Persons with HIV/AIDS Rights Advocacy Association of Taiwan (PRAA). The book serves as a platform for individuals to share their personal journeys, creating a community of shared experience and resilience.
- White version
Design Concept
In designing My First Pill, I wanted to convey a sense of hope and positivity, shifting away from the traditional associations of despair often linked to medication. I played with elements like ribbons, pills, and capsules to symbolize the journey of treatment and healing. However, one of the most significant aspects of the design was the creative use of Chinese characters.
The Chinese word for “drug” (藥) consists of two parts: “grass” or “plant” (艹) at the top, and “happiness” (樂) at the bottom. This character beautifully represents the idea that medicine, derived from nature, can bring happiness and relief. To emphasize this, I split the character into two distinct writing styles—bronze script for “grass” and a modern typeface for “happiness.” This contrast highlights the idea that, while medication is often associated with illness, its ultimate purpose is to bring happiness and healing.
By breaking down the character in this way, I aimed to challenge the conventional narrative surrounding drugs and illness, focusing instead on the empowerment and positivity that treatment can bring.
Impact
This design approach brought a fresh perspective to the annual publication, aligning with PRAA’s mission to provide hope and support to individuals living with HIV. The visual storytelling within the design offered a sense of optimism, underscoring the life-changing benefits of treatment, and ensuring that readers felt encouraged rather than burdened by their experiences.
This project was a meaningful opportunity to use design as a tool for advocacy, transforming the concept of medical treatment into a symbol of hope and happiness.