Established in 1936 by Sir Henry Wellcome, London’s Wellcome Collection explores the connections between medicine, life, and art throughout the ages through exhibitions, programs, events, and its renowned library. Each year, the organization curates diverse, temporary exhibitions—some of which tour the world. Its upcoming exhibition, “Can Graphic Design Save Your Life?” will open in London in Fall 2016 and travel to approximately 6 venues over a 3-year period. Poulin + Morris’ CommuniCard was selected to be a part of this exhibition.
Developed for Mount Sinai Hospital, CommuniCard 1 and 2 are visual tools that facilitate communication between speech-impaired patients, their families, and hospital staff. Colorful, easy-to-understand pictograms on the front of each card illustrate symptoms, medical, physical, emotional needs, as well as indicate specific health care professionals with whom a patient may wish to speak. The back of each card displays the alphabet for spelling simple words or messages as well as a drawing of a simplified human figure to indicate problem areas. The cards also contain simple, one-word questions in English and a second language, such as Spanish, Russian, or Japanese. CommuniCard is currently being used in 150 hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout North America.