When students design for real-world challenges, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
During the RDG Designathon, five VCC Graphic Design students worked with mentors and non-profit partners to solve real problems through design. One of those challenges came from Cassie + Friends Society, an organization dedicated to helping children and families living with juvenile arthritis.
For many young patients, treatment includes regular injections - an experience that can be stressful and emotionally overwhelming for both children and parents.
VCC students stepped in to rethink the organization's injection support kits. Their goal was simple: to make the experience less intimidating for children.
The design team used empathy to learn about the emotional challenges children face during treatment. Using insights from community partners and mentors, they restyled a more welcoming and supportive safe injection kit that included friendly, comforting visuals, easy-to-follow guidelines, as well as a playful mascot.
What began as a design challenge quickly became something more meaningful. By applying empathy and creativity, the students helped transform a stressful medical routine into an experience that feels more manageable for young patients.
Projects like this show how student designers can make a real difference. Through mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving, they're not just building portfolios - they're helping communities and improving the lives of everyday families.
