Patient-Centred Medical Illustration Thesis: Visualising Rare Disease Pathophysiology

As part of my master’s thesis, I developed a patient-focused medical illustration project exploring how visual communication can improve understanding of rare diseases. The work investigated methods for translating complex pathophysiological mechanisms into clear, accessible illustrations that help patients connect underlying disease processes with their symptoms.

The project combined scientific research, visual storytelling, and medical illustration principles to create educational graphics designed for non-specialist audiences. Particular attention was given to simplifying complex biomedical information while maintaining scientific accuracy, improving patient comprehension, and supporting communication between healthcare professionals and patients.

Deliverables included concept development, scientific research synthesis, information design, and the creation of explanatory medical illustrations that visualise disease mechanisms, symptom development, and biological processes in an engaging and understandable format.