ADULA | THEMED CAFE

Colors, materials, and finishes (CMF) + Brand Identity

A collaboration between UCI & NIH to attract niche demographics to participate in their All of Us research program. By ensuring that everyone is included, NIH accelerates research, contributing to precision and accurate medicine development.

Skills: Inclusive Design · Environmental Storytelling · Research-Based Design · Brand Identity · Health & Wellness Strategy · LGBTQ+ Advocacy · Public Space UX · Data Visualization · Collaborative Partnership Building · Adobe creative suite

  • Adula_Carmilla_Lounge

  • Adula_GJ_Lounge

Ovarian Cancer

Breast cancer remains the most researched cancer for women due to its high prevalence and strong advocacy efforts. Ovarian cancer, however, is less common but much deadlier

WHAT

A type of cancer that’s formed from abnormal cell mutation in the ovaries, forming a tumor.

Women, typically middle aged or above (50+), greatest in those aged 75+ ~ 80+. A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 87

WHO

The exact cause of Ovarian cancer is speculated, but so far there are no clear answers. It is suspected that gene mutations of BRCA1, and BRCA2 play a part

Cause

Women in America diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, 2024

Female specific illnesses, like ovarian cancer,
are understudied especially in lesbian women

Research suggests Lesbians may be at a heightened risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This increased risk is not due to their sexual orientation itself, but rather linked to certain behavioral and healthcare-related factors.

Handwritten notes on dotted paper, including phrases like "Bonding through stories," "Agunda = to help," "Perseverance and commitment," "fables," "morals," "imiquity group," "praying," and "rebirth flowers." Two circled words, "Abula" and "Lagos."

Risk factors

  • NO USE OF HORMONAL BIRTH CONTROL

    Hormonal contraceptives, like the birth control pill, also reduce ovarian cancer risk because they inhibit ovulation. Lesbians are less likely to use hormonal birth control, which might slightly increase their risk compared to women who use it regularly.

  • LIFESTYLE FACTORS

    Some studies have suggested that smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption—factors that can increase cancer risk—may be more common among lesbian and bisexual women, which could also contribute to the increased risk

  • BARRIERS TO HEALTHCARE

    Lesbians may face discrimination or discomfort in healthcare settings, leading to lower rates of routine gynecological exams, including pelvic exams and screenings for cancers. This can result in delayed diagnoses of ovarian cancer, which is often more successfully treated when detected early.

  • MENTAL HEALTH

    Individuals with depression may face an elevated risk of cancer, 10% to 39%, depending on the type of cancer. Additionally, studies show Lesbians who are not open about their sexual orientation being at a higher risk of experiencing suicidal ideation and attempts compared to their heterosexual counterparts.

  • SMOKING

    Smoking has been linked to many types of cancer. Older lesbians have been found to 70% more likely to smoke than heterosexual women, raising their risk factor of developing reproductive cancer by 3x more.

  • PRIOR CANCER DIAGNOSIS

    Lesbians have been found to be twice as likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer due to prior history of breast cancer & chemotherapy use, Increasing the risk of ovarian cancer.

Overview - Adula

Colors, Materials, And Finishes (CMF)
Inspired Wellness Café for Community & Health

A collage of various design materials and colors, including floral patterned paper, wood texture, marble texture, sections of gold leaf, and paint samples in beige, mustard yellow, and olive green.
Collage of various textures and colors, including burgundy patterns, beige and gray paint swatches, wooden panels, and marble tiles.

Adula is a unique wellness café designed to support the lesbian community by addressing both their physical and mental health needs. Inspired by iconic lesbian stories, the café provides a safe, welcoming space where people can gather, reflect, and engage in mindful practices.

Through thoughtful color, material, and finish (CMF) design, each room or section embodies themes from beloved works like Carmilla and Gentleman Jack, creating a space rooted in cultural significance.

Beyond aesthetics, Adula offers a holistic approach to well-being by addressing the higher rates of depression and smoking within the lesbian community—both of which can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

The café promotes health through journaling, mood elevation practices, and smoking cessation support, including nicotine patches for purchase. By partnering with organizations such as Adobe, Adula also serves as a bridge to connect visitors with the NIH's All of Us research program, contributing to the advancement of healthcare for underrepresented groups.

Colors, Materials, & finishes (CMF).

Colors, Materials, & finishes (CMF).

Gentleman Jack

Textured gold foil surface with patches of wear and tear
Floral pattern with brown leaves and gray branches on white background.
Abstract marble pattern in brown and white with gold accents.

Carmilla

Intricate bird and floral pattern in red and black
Abstract geometric pattern with shades of pink and purple
Close-up of brown and tan marble texture with a tortoiseshell pattern.

Collaboration with Large Organizations

By partnering with large corporations like Adobe, the café will not only amplify awareness of these issues but also make a tangible impact. Adobe’s involvement, for instance, could come in the form of sponsoring digital workshops, creative journaling prompts, or even competitions that encourage storytelling among lesbians, creating a sense of community and advocacy.

Psychological and Physical Health

A maroon notebook with a gold floral design and text "ADULA & ALL OF US RESEARCH WELLNESS QUIZ! :)" on a beige surface, next to a black pen, a pencil, a cup of coffee, and the edge of a silver laptop.
Two circular logos; one with a stylized brown triangle on a beige background, the other featuring a flower-like design with petals surrounding a brown triangle on a light background.

This café goes beyond being just a themed space. It's a wellness café that addresses both the mental health needs of lesbians (who statistically have higher rates of depression and smoking) and the physical health risks (such as ovarian cancer).

  • Journaling Spaces: Dedicated journaling stations where visitors can relax, reflect, and improve their mental well-being. The journals sold or given away could tie into themes of empowerment and community healing, with prompts for mindfulness or mood-tracking.

  • Nicotine Patch Sales: In line with addressing smoking rates and its relation to ovarian cancer, the café could offer nicotine patches, helping to encourage smoking cessation in a comfortable, non-judgmental setting.

Open notebook displaying a wellness quiz with questions about stress management, self-care, and lifestyle factors affecting health. Decorative elements include doodles and encouraging phrases like 'Things will get better' and 'We care for you!' The heading reads 'Adula & All of Us Wellness Quiz.'"}

Community Engagement

Sketch of a geometric logo with a stylized letter 'A' and petals on dotted paper.

BRAND IDENTITY

Stylized maroon rose with an "A" and circle in center.
Logo with stylized text "Adula" in maroon color on transparent background.
Stylized maroon letter 'A' on a transparent background.
Apron with yellow and brown design featuring the word "Adula."
Yellow biodegradable coffee cup with lid and maroon Adula branding
Maroon and yellow apron with "Adula" and floral design.
Brown paper coffee cup with a red design and yellow label with the text 'Adula'.

The café serves as a hybrid space—welcoming all, but particularly providing a safe and dedicated space for lesbians to gather, socialize, and support one another. The experience is designed to be both intimate and expansive, with digital components that encourage engagement with the NIH All of Us program, creating a seamless link between personal health and collective scientific advancement.

Indoor cafe setting with a poster on a table. The poster advertises "Adula" nicotine transdermal patches by All of Us, with a URL for more information. A potted plant is nearby.
A street sign featuring an advertisement for "Adula" nicotine transdermal patch. The sign shows a burgundy box with white text and a pattern. It mentions a 24-hour extended-release quit smoking aid and directs to visit https://allofus.nih.gov/ for more information. The sign is placed on a pavement beside a city street.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

Developed a CMF and brand identity system rooted in inclusive wellness. Integrated health data and behavioral risk factors into the spatial narrative. Synthesized environmental and cultural cues to support marginalized users. Collaborated with large-scale organizations (NIH, UCI, Adobe) to enhance outreach.

Framed public health as a spatial experience through narrative and visual design. Mapped user behavior patterns (e.g., smoking, journaling) to physical interactions. Elevated underrepresented health concerns through CMF storytelling. Bridged healthcare, research, and design through community-driven engagement. Addressed health inequities using thematic design interventions. Designed hybrid physical-digital touchpoints.