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Origin: Ways of Being
The Innovative Therapeutic Experience
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In 2020–21, we teamed up with the University of Oxford and its Gardens, Libraries and Museums division (GLAM) on the O-ACE project, exploring how digital tools could support young people’s mental health.

SERVICES

Accessibility
Digital Storytelling
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
COLLABORATION
BESPOKE DESIGN
INTERACTIVE CONTENT

The result was Ways of Being, an innovative online experience telling the stories of inspirational and relatable historical characters. The site was co-designed with a team of young people aged 16-24, more in the style of a digital magazine than a conventional website.

Audio clips, personal voices and easy-to-navigate layouts encouraged users to dip into stories of diversity, adversity and inspiration at their own pace. Research showed it not only grabbed their attention but also helped reduce negative feelings when compared with traditional museum sites.

Building on its success, Oxford launched ORIGIN (Optimising cultural expeRIences for mental health in underrepresented younG people onlINe), a five-year study running from 2023 to 2028.

We are again playing a central role, co-producing an ‘online museum’ of over 200 stories together with young people from LGBTQ+ communities, autistic individuals, ethnic minorities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
ORIGIN aims to reduce anxiety and depression through exposure to arts and culture – backed by a trial involving nearly 1,500 participants.

By blending technical know-how with creative storytelling, we’re helping build a digital space that makes a real difference.

Online arts and culture for young people's mental health video

For further information on this project or to find out how Imagineear can bring your exhibition or cultural experience to life please contact:

Petra Brinkhof

Petra Brinkhof
SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR

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