HopeLabs mission:
“A bold idea. In 2001 Pam Omidyar founded HopeLab to create a video game that would help kids with cancer fight their disease. Many people thought the idea was outlandish. But the game, Re-Mission, worked. Players felt stronger, more connected to their treatment process, and more in control of their recovery – like a hero with a purpose. In short, they experienced resilience. Research showed that young cancer patients who play the Re-Mission games stuck to their cancer meds more consistently, improving their health and well-being.
A catalyst for change. Building on the success of Re-Mission, HopeLab has gradually expanded its focus – moving from the development of games for patients with cancer, to the wider application of evidence-based technologies to improve the health and well-being of kids and young adults. The lessons we’ve learned about how to apply human-centered design and technology tools to create resilience among youth puts us in a unique position to assist a wide number of partner organizations seeking to make a difference in kids’ lives.
Design recipe. In designing health solutions, we start by identifying specific behavioral outcomes. Like taking cancer drugs, or getting more physical activity, or being kinder and more compassionate. We gather data to better understand the psychology that motivates or inhibits that behavior. Then, we create solutions that engage those psychological drivers, like a video game, or an activity meter, or an app. By helping users shift their attitudes and motivation, our technology solutions help empower healthy behavior.”