ENVISIONING A FUTURE WHERE PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH IS SUPPORTED

To succeed, Daymark recognized the importance of a human-centred approach that would illuminate the nuanced realities of diverse audiences, their needs, behaviours, and circumstances. The challenge was not only to envision a future where perinatal mental health support is integrated into daily life, but also to co-create solutions directly with those who will rely on them. With Newfoundland and Labrador as the potential pilot site for an integrated hub, the insights gained here would lay the groundwork for similar health systems across the country.

Akendi partnered with Daymark to place people at the heart of the design process. The work began by attending the Daymark Symposium to establish a strong foundation of knowledge. From there, in-depth interviews, contextual inquiry, and journey mapping provided a validated understanding of the perinatal experience. Personas and journey maps were part of the capture of these insights in ways that could drive design and decision-making. Along the way, Akendi collaborated with project partners Blueprint, and Stepped Care Solutions.

Multiple co-design sessions brought perinatal audiences into the process, ensuring that emerging concepts will be shaped by real voices and lived experiences. Brand foundation and prioritization workshops guided the vision and sharpened focus, while rapid prototyping explored structure, navigation, and interaction intent. Together, these activities created a holistic, evidence-based view of the opportunities ahead.