FCB Health · United Therapeutics · 2016
Skivolo — pediatric oncology app & site
What is Unituxin?
Unituxin is a chemotherapy drug by United Therapeutics used to treat neuroblastoma — a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. The treatment is painful and frightening for children. United Therapeutics wanted to create a companion app to help pediatric patients going through treatment feel less alone, more engaged, and more in control of their experience.
Overview
As Senior UX Architect at FCB Health, I led the UX strategy and design for Skivolo — an iPad app for children undergoing neuroblastoma treatment — and a companion informational site for parents and caregivers. This was a deeply human project that required understanding both the medical context and the emotional reality of a child facing cancer treatment. The app was shortlisted for a Cannes Lions award in 2016.
The Challenge
Designing for children in a hospital setting
Children undergoing chemotherapy face pain, fear, and a loss of control. The design challenge wasn't just usability — it was creating an experience that felt joyful, age-appropriate, and empowering in one of the most difficult moments of a child's life. Every decision had to be grounded in how kids actually think and play.
Skivolo coloring books — physical artifacts that connected the digital and physical experience
Research
Learning how kids think
I worked directly with a medical director to ensure the app was clinically appropriate, and conducted research into pediatric psychology and play behavior to understand how children in hospital settings engage with technology.
Medical director collaboration — grounding the design in clinical reality
Research insight 1
Research insight 2
Research insight 3
Design Process — App
From whiteboard to working prototype
Whiteboard sketching — early concept exploration for the app experience
User flow — app navigation and interaction model, part 1
User flow — app navigation and interaction model, part 2
Translating sketches to screens — 1 of 4
Translating sketches to screens — 2 of 4
Translating sketches to screens — 3 of 4
Translating sketches to screens — 4 of 4
Updated designs — refined after testing with children and caregivers
Finished app — login page
Finished app — homepage
Companion Site
A resource for parents and caregivers
Alongside the app, I designed a companion informational site for parents and caregivers — giving them context about the app, the treatment, and how to use Skivolo with their child during hospital visits.
Site sketches — early layout exploration
Site sketches — content structure
Designed mobile page — companion site
Detailed webpage — treatment and app information for caregivers
Outcome
Skivolo launched as a companion to Unituxin treatment and is actively used today — the site has since expanded to include an animated series and a dedicated "Skivolo's World" section at neuroblastoma-info.com. The project was shortlisted for a Cannes Lions award in 2016.