Project 100 & ILN
Design Fieldwork for Substance Use Disorder
Role
Design Researcher
Tools
FigJam, Google Meet & Gemini
Project Link
Timeline
July - September 2025
Skills
Interviewing, journey mapping, synthesis, delieverable design
Context
As part of Project 100—an initiative dedicated to creating a healthier community for families in the Lower Russian River Area (LRRA)—I conducted a design fieldwork project in Guerneville, CA. The focus of this work was to better understand experiences with substance use and treatment services in the LRRA, particularly at the intersection of parenting and recovery.
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The goal was to uncover unmet needs and identify barriers that families face, as well as to inform the development of more effective messaging and solutions around substance use. To do this, I collaborated closely with Chris McCarthy and local partners, leading a series of in-depth interviews and participatory activities such as journey mapping. These methods allowed participants to share personal narratives, highlight systemic challenges, and envision healthier futures for themselves and their children.
Key Achievements
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Designed and executed end-to-end fieldwork process: Developed interview protocols, recruited participants, and facilitated in-person and virtual sessions using participatory techniques.
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Gathered rich, qualitative insights: Conducted and transcribed interviews that explored the lived experiences of parents navigating substance use, treatment services, and family well-being in the LRRA.
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Synthesized findings into actionable insights: Analyzed interview data to uncover patterns, challenges, and opportunities, translating them into clear themes for Project 100 stakeholders.
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Delivering a comprehensive final report: Producing a report highlighting key community needs, messaging considerations, and design opportunities to guide future Project 100 initiatives.
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Strengthening community-centered approach: Ensured research was inclusive, empathetic, and participatory, amplifying the voices of local parents in shaping potential solutions.
Insights Report
After processing, analyzing, and synthesizing 16 in-depth interviews, our final deliverable included two 2x2s, a unified journey map, nine insight themes with supporting quotes and stories, three recommended focus areas with corresponding “How might we…” questions, and two core drivers of this work. Below are just a few sample pages from the report.
Feedback
"[We] were both impressed with the quality of respect that permeated your interviews, and the way you presented complex human interactions."
"Very hard to hear and very powerful. Great work, so humbling and so much depth."
"I love the way you have illustrated and connected all the themes. Such great work!"
"This is all so powerful and will be a wonderful grounding for developing story prompts. Really great to see/build on!"
Audience member from the final presentation
Audience member from the final presentation
Audience member from the final presentation