When Mount Royal University’s Wellness Services decided to move their mental health resources to D2L, they didn’t just want to migrate content—they wanted to revolutionize it. To lead that transformation, they turned to the expertise of fourth-year Information Design student Rica Abalos.
As the creative lead for the new Mini Mental Health Primer, Abalos was tasked with turning clinical statistics into an engaging, interactive experience. Her goal was to dismantle the “homework” feel of digital modules and replace it with a space that felt open and supportive.
“I wanted to make the content more inviting,” Abalos explains. “We really wanted to move away from the idea that mental health is something to be ashamed of or talked about in secret.”
The power of purposeful design
Abalos applied her design training to every facet of the project:
- Visual Psychology: She introduced a calming palette of blues and purples, intentionally avoiding red tones that could trigger feelings of “danger” or urgency.
- User Experience: She overhauled the interface to ensure the flow was intuitive, allowing students to navigate through sections like “tools to support” and “how to get help” at their own pace.
- Interactive Empowerment: Beyond static text, Abalos integrated reflection prompts, journaling exercises, and downloadable handouts to bridge the gap between digital learning and real-life application.
A lasting legacy
The project represents a professional and personal milestone for Abalos, who is now in her final year of study. While she has already begun her career as a communications analyst in Calgary’s energy sector, the primer stands as her parting gift to the MRU community.
“It was such a good experience and really meaningful to contribute something to MRU before I graduate,” Abalos says. “It reminded me how powerful design can be in making important topics accessible.”
The Mini Mental Health Primer is now available on D2L for all students and employees, offering a lasting, student-designed tool for everyday well-being.
Original reporting by Erin Guiltenane, Mount Royal University.