I had the chance to work pro bono on a project that perfectly combined my passion for design with a purpose that mattered—supporting Facial Palsy UK. The idea was simple but powerful: create a unique app that turned facial expressions into both fun and therapy, blending gaming with meaningful support for individuals affected by facial palsy. As Creative Director, my role wasn’t just about design; it was about using creativity to make a real difference, bringing joy, connection, and awareness to a cause that truly deserved the spotlight.​​​​​​​
The challenge was to create an engaging and beneficial tool for individuals, especially children, with facial palsy. Traditional physiotherapy can be tedious and unengaging, so the brief was to devise a solution that made exercises enjoyable while raising awareness and funds for the cause.
Inspired by the iconic Dance Dance Revolution game, I envisioned an app that uses facial expressions instead of bodily movements to score points. The idea was to make facial physiotherapy fun and engaging. Using the mobile camera to track facial movements, players follow a sequence of expressions to earn points. This playful approach turns therapy sessions into an enjoyable game. To encourage donations, I incorporated a feature where top players could unlock achievements by contributing to Facial Palsy UK directly through the app. From the app idea to branding and character design, my involvement was comprehensive, focusing on creating a joyful and meaningful experience.
Incredible potential to be a delightful success, turning physiotherapy into a fun activity for kids with facial palsy. It’s not just a game; it's a therapeutic tool that brings smiles and aids recovery. The app also serves as an innovative platform for raising funds and awareness for Facial Palsy UK, showcasing how creativity and technology can be harnessed for social good.
Pro Bono Client: Facial Palsy UK
Creative Director, Brand Designer, UX and UI: Berto Macario
Country: UK

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