Increasing diverse and inclusive representation in medical education

Illustrate Change is a Johnson & Johnson initiative focused on improving medical education and patient care through diverse medical illustrations. Its goal is to address gaps in representation and inclusivity, ensuring that patients feel seen and respected. By creating, expanding and enhancing a digital library of medical illustrations, Illustrate Change aims to foster better understanding and engagement in healthcare settings.

Client

Johnson & Johnson

Scope

UXD | Interaction design | Design systems

Year

2024

Medical illustrations used in healthcare education and practice lack diversity, with less than 5% of images depicting dark skin, and only 8% of illustrators identifying as people of color. This lack of representation contributes to a healthcare environment where patients from underrepresented communities feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. The gap in diverse medical illustrations also hinders healthcare providers' ability to deliver culturally competent care, potentially affecting diagnosis accuracy and patient trust, particularly in Black and minority communities.