Revolutionizing Genital Embryology Education

This project, a collaboration between Dr. Valerie O’Loughlin (Indiana University) and my Biomedical Communications capstone team at the UBC HIVE, reimagines how genital embryology is taught. Our goal was to address outdated binary constructs and integrate the latest scientific research into a visually engaging, accessible, and inclusive learning experience for students and educators alike.

Traditional embryology education often oversimplifies genital system development, relying on binary models that fail to reflect biological diversity. Our interactive module addresses this gap, offering a comprehensive, research-backed exploration of genital development with a focus on inclusivity and scientific accuracy. This approach promotes a deeper understanding of human biology while preparing students for real-world healthcare scenarios that require both medical knowledge and empathy.

Developed over 14 months (September 2023 – November 2024), this project brought together a multidisciplinary team of students, faculty, and medical professionals. Using industry-standard tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Animate, and Articulate 360, we created anatomically accurate visuals and animations. The module follows Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and Mayer’s principles of multimedia learning, ensuring an accessible and effective educational experience.

Officially launched on the Clinical Anatomy website at the UBC HIVE, this work was presented at Anatomy Connected 2024 and is pending presentation at IAMSE 2025. View the module HERE.

Project Details

Client:
Dr. Valerie O’Loughlin
Director of Undergraduate Medical Education at IUSM-Bloomington
Professor of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology @ Indiana University

Team:
Robyn Cunningham-Dunlop
Bonnie Wang
Kirsten Langereis

UBC Hive Staff contributors: Claudia Krebs, Bailey Lo, and Monika Fejtek.

Audience:
Upper-level undergraduate and first-year MD students

Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive and inclusive wireframe for an educational module about the embryonic development of internal genitalia, that sets the foundation for future module development.
• Highlight the importance of recognizing and respecting diverse presentations, and preparing students for real-world healthcare scenarios.
• Foster empathy and understanding by showcasing the biological diversity in genital system development.
• Provide an interactive and accessible learning experience that promotes inclusivity, celebrates the richness of human biology, and engages a wide range of learners and learning styles.

Format:
Online Learning Module

Tools Used:
Illustrator, Photoshop, Animate, Procreate, and Miro.

UI/UX Design:

• Universal Design of Instruction (UDI)
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
• Mayer’s Principles for Multimedia Learning
• Universal Design Principles of Accessibility
• Health equity guidelines and inclusivity models
• Colour theory

My Role:

• Storyboard Artist
• Project Lead
• Researcher
• Illustrator