From Code to Compassion: Unleashing Emotional Connections with Technology

In the pharma industry and beyond, we are about to see how technology, when wielded thoughtfully, can be a conduit for emotional resonance.

The following cases address medical challenges and delve into the fabric of human connection, weaving a tapestry of empathy and understanding that transcends industries and boundaries.

The synergy of technology and emotion opens new doors to compassion, innovation, and a shared human experience. 

These cases show us how technology, when harnessed with
intention, not only solves complex challenges but also becomes the very medium through which empathy is enhanced and sentimental impact is elevated in once unimaginable ways. 

Case 1
JINGLE THERAPY (PUERTO RICO)

Jingles Help Puerto Ricans with Alzheimer’s to Remember

Brief Description

The Puerto Rican Alzheimer’s Association, in collaboration with the Spanish  Broadcasting System – SBS – radio stations, turned the 80-year archive of the radio into a non-pharmacological therapy to help improve the lives of patients living with neurodegenerative disease.   The solution is a playlist of old radio jingles, curated based on patient age to remind them of their childhood.   Studies have shown that for those in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s, music from their past can reduce agitation and outbursts while improving overall mood.   By tapping into the collective nostalgia of the most famous advertising jingles of Puerto Rico’s past, this project created a palliative therapy for patients to bring back positive memories, remind them of their youth, and help soothe them during harder times.   After four sessions, 600 patients have already reported positive effects in cognitive measures.

Why is it significant?

Harnessing the power of music, this campaign leverages personalized jingles to provide emotional support for patients undergoing challenging treatments. 

 

Technology fosters a profound emotional connection by infusing a touch of artistry into the healing process,  offering solace and uplifting spirits in the face of adversity. 

Case 2
I WILL ALWAYS BE ME, A BOOK FOR MND (US)

Intel + Dell created a read-aloud book that feeds a “voice bank” that can create a digital copy of a patient’s voice so they can still sound like themselves even after losing their ability to speak normally.

Brief Description

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a terminal illness. Before it takes your life, however, it takes your voice. 

 

Created by Dell Technologies, Intel, the Motor Neurone Disease  Association, and Rolls-Royce, I Will Always Be Me is a book-reading experience that can create a digital voice with just a 30-minute recording. 

Why is it significant?

Voice banking can help those with MND create a digital copy of their voice to continue sounding like themselves after losing the ability to speak. 

 

But voice banking is a demanding task that involves reading a long list of random words – often resulting in a disappointingly robotic voice. This project makes this easier and more significant. 

 

This personalized book leverages technology to capture individual stories, memories, and emotions, ensuring that the essence of each person remains vividly alive. 

 

Through this amalgamation of storytelling and technology, a heartfelt and enduring connection is formed, transcending the limitations imposed by illness. 

Before this campaign, only 12% of those with MND used voicebank technology.  Within three months of the launch, the campaign achieved a 50% growth in people banking their voices. I Will Always Be Me also received 1.7 billion impressions from PR and earned media. 

Case 3
SAFELIST (CHILE)

Movistar created a playlist that transforms Spotify lyrics into a company and safety tool for women when traveling alone in a taxi at night

Brief Description

Instead of having songs, this playlist contains audios that simulate live conversations with a partner, friend, family member, or colleague who will be watching them through the route. 

 

Through the app’s lyrics, women can follow the conversation thread simply and safely in each of the audio pauses.  

 

It was released only for women using very specific media, and Chilean women find it very helpful: it had more than 300,000 plays from 10 pm to 4 am.

Why is it significant?

Safelist emerges as a poignant example of technology stirring emotions and addressing public concerns. 

 

It uses technology to enhance public safety by providing real-time information about potential dangers in specific areas. 

 

This not only taps into the emotions of concern and care but also demonstrates how technology can be a powerful tool for the collective well-being of communities. 

Key Takeaways:
our cut ABBOVE

We saw

the transformative potential of technology in addressing poignant human experiences, strategic technology integration in addressing medical challenges, and users’ safety, preserving individual identities, and enhancing public well-being.  

We learned that

When thoughtfully applied, that technology goes beyond solving challenges; it becomes a conduit for empathy, connection, and meaningful experiences.

This encourages us

To consider innovative ways to leverage technology in our campaigns, not just as a problem-solving tool but as a means to enhance empathy, empower patients, and contribute positively to societal well-being. 

Triggers for innovating

How might we leverage personalized audio experiences, similar to the “Jingle Therapy” initiative, to enhance patient well-being during various medical treatments, fostering a more positive and comforting healthcare journey? 

 

What if we explored integrating real-time safety features, inspired by “SafeList,” in healthcare apps to address security concerns and provide immediate assistance to patients navigating various healthcare environments?  

 

How can we foster a culture of empathy and connection by using tech in a smart, new, and unconventional way? 

 

What if we established a patient-centric storytelling platform, influenced by “I Will Always Be Me,” where individuals can share their healthcare narratives, fostering a sense of community and connection within the pharmaceutical landscape?  

 

How might we integrate augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) technologies to enhance patient engagement, creating immersive and interactive experiences that go beyond conventional healthcare approaches?  

 

What if we embraced a holistic approach to patient care, influenced by the innovative use of technology in the showcased cases, ensuring that emotional and psychological well-being are integral components of the healthcare journey?  

 

How can we innovate by exploring technologies that humanize the patient experience, ensuring technology is a compassionate and individualized care tool?  

ABBOVE TEAM