3AM Club – Design Thesis on Health Education

Project Summary

The 3am Club is a educational guidebook for those diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

The name 3am Club is derived from a common experience for diabetics — blood sugar dropping around 3 am. The logo combines a clock and a bedside table reflecting the reality of living with diabetes.

The guidebook is designed for teenagers, who are newly diagnosed, seeking essential information to better understand and cope with their condition. It transforms complex medical information into simple and clear messaging accompanied by colourful and playful illustrations.

The book is divided into three chapters. The first chapter explains the cause of the condition; the second introduces insulin and how to manage blood sugar levels; and the third shows how technology helps with diabetes management. The book wraps up with a history of insulin.

Why I made this project
I chose this topic because I love science. When I researched important Canadian science discoveries I learned that insulin was discovered in Toronto by Banting and Best. Canadians should be proud of this important contribution to the world.

I was inspired to create this guidebook because existing guides were not visually engaging. My target audience, young adults, respond better to materials that incorporate visual elements such as illustrations. The guidebook ultimately provided an opportunity for me to fully explore and expand my illustration skills.