TRACKER is a national lung cancer biobank, which means they collect and safely store small amounts of blood, tissue and lung fluid taken during planned medical tests.
TRACKER came to Explanimate needing a short animated video that could explain what the biobank is, why it matters and what participation involves. The biggest challenge was making the message understandable, even for audiences who may not speak English fluently.
So, no jargon gymnastics. No medical maze. Just a clear, calm story about contribution, consent, privacy and hope.
The strategy was to keep the message simple enough to follow without relying entirely on language.
The script needed to explain that TRACKER collects small samples during planned medical tests, keeps personal information private and protected, and uses contributions to help researchers better understand lung cancer and improve treatments.
Because when you are explaining medical research, “clear” is good. “Clear and not terrifying” is better.
The creative idea centred on a quilt.
Each sample and contribution was represented as a different piece of fabric, safely collected and added to something bigger. It gave the video a warm, visual way to show how individual contributions can support broader research.
Tiny fabric pieces. Big emotional job.
Because the video needed to work across language barriers, the visual storytelling had to do a lot of the heavy lifting.
The animation used simple, recognisable actions: a map lighting up, fabric being selected, a basket closing, a microscope view, a patient talking with trusted people, and a group working together on the quilt.
Less “science lab full of mystery tubes,” more “your contribution is protected, valued and part of something meaningful.”
Refinement focused on making the video as clear and accessible as possible.
The visuals were checked against the key message: can someone understand what is happening even if they miss part of the narration? Privacy became a closed basket. Research became fabric under a microscope. Consent became a conversation. Collective impact became a quilt.
Which is much nicer than trying to animate a consent form having a good day.
The final animation gave TRACKER a short, accessible way to introduce lung cancer biobanking to potential participants and their families.
It explained what TRACKER does, why contributions matter, and how people can make an informed choice about taking part.
Because when the subject is this personal, the explanation needs to feel personal too.
