Epilepsy ~ The Basics
OBJECTIVES
To independently research, design and produce a video for the Epilepsy Foundation of America with a micro-site to expand on the presented information.
To research medical videos and apply this information to my project.
To analyze other informational videos to identify successful aspects to better enhance my project.
To critique my own designs and consider critique from my peers and industry professionals.
To incorporate information obtained through prior experiences and courses.
To demonstrate skills in industry programs to create content that aligns with the branding of the Epilepsy Foundation.
To recognize problems and solve them as they arise in the process of creating my senior project.
PROPOSAL
My senior project will be for the Epilepsy Foundation of America. The Epilepsy Foundation of America is a national non-profit foundation based in Landover, Maryland and is dedicated to aid those who are affected by seizure disorders. The Epilepsy Foundation is a hub for information about seizures such as how to identify specific seizures or how to help those who are affected. This information is presented in a large directory of website pages with a vast amount of knowledge to help almost anyone who is affected by epilepsy or any seizure disorder. Epilepsy is a disorder in which continual unprovoked seizures occur. Someone might be diagnosed with epilepsy if they have at least two unprovoked seizures that were not caused by other medical conditions or medicines. There is a large misconception that the term epilepsy refers to seizures that are visually provoked, the Epilepsy Foundation is an organization dedicated to not only help those affected by seizures but to clear misconceptions about epilepsy.
For my project I will design and compose a unique informational video and a micro-site to contain the video and information. My design components will include informational graphics to be used in the video, a homepage for the micro-site to contain the video and subsequent pages to supplement information displayed in the video. The purpose for the video will be to supply information to both remove misconceptions about epilepsy and provide information on different forms of seizures and how to help those who are having seizures. This information will be used to not only prevent serious injury but also potentially save a life.
I will be designing this project to reach out to as many individuals as possible. Due to the objective of the video less specific terminology will be used to attract those who have no knowledge of epilepsy. The campaign will help both those who are having seizures and want to know more about their disease as well as attract those who have someone in their life who has seizures. This information will aid those who are scared, misinformed or doing research on epilepsy and the different types of seizures to know how to recognize epilepsy and help those who are afflicted with a seizure disorder.
RESEARCH SYNOPSIS
Epilepsy is a disease that is widely known as a seizure disorder in which seizures are caused by blinking or flashing lights, while not entirely incorrect, this consensus is but a small part of what epilepsy actually is. My research will help to spread the truth that epilepsy refers to unprovoked seizures, each of which have their own triggers and reactions. My research will compile facts and information from various accredited institutions and compile said information into a short and easy to understand video, which will be supplemented on the micro-site. The primary question to be asked while researching is what information is unable to be understand upon initial exposure. The research will be conducted with the assumption that the target will have no knowledge on what epilepsy is and the types of seizures it can entail. Limitations for the research would be obtaining information that can be understood with no prior knowledge.
PROCESS
First I researched video formats that would best fit the content of the video which was followed with researching and compiling information about epilepsy and the Epilepsy Foundation. Next I sorted through the information and determined which information to use to storyboard the video using the information to plan the visuals. After the visuals were planned I wrote and recorded a script for the voice over to fit the visuals and content. After the first rough cut I passed the video through several rounds of critique and made edits accordingly. With the video complete I began to wireframe the micro-site I passed it through critique then continued to prototype the micro-site. With the video and micro-site completed I wrote all the relevent information and created this webpage.
TARGET AUDIENCE
The target audience for my project are those who wish to begin learning about Epilepsy and other seizure disorders. This includes people who recently developed epilepsy and want to learn more about their condition or family members of someone who is having seizures. The scope of the target audience also extends to those looking to inform others about epilepsy. The video can be spread and be used as a teaching tool to introduce as many people as possible epilepsy and other seizures.
The Epilepsy Foundation exists to END EPILEPSY®. That means increasing awareness and changing the conversation around epilepsy, improving and saving lives through care, advocacy, research and new therapies, and education, and mobilizing everyone to take action.Their mission is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives. For more than five decades, the Epilepsy Foundation has shone a light on epilepsy. The Foundation and its nationwide network of nearly 50 partners connects people to treatment, support and resources; leads advocacy efforts; funds innovative research and the training of specialists; and educates the general public about epilepsy and seizure first aid.
Thank you for looking at my senior capstone. You can find information to contact me in the “About” Page.
-Steven Suchwala