Birth in Color RVA
Using AI to Create a Web App for a Reproductive Justice Organization
Used artificial intelligence to design a web application for Birth in Color, a reproductive justice organization based in Richmond, VA.
Project Summary
Journey map and key insights from contextual inquiry and observation, findings from interviews with reproductive aides and users, and a progressive web app.
Deliverables
See the full project breakdown below. ⬇️
Role
Researcher & App Designer
Stakeholder Input, Contextual Inquiry, Field Observation
Research Tools
Design Tools
Bolt, Netlify & Cursor
Timeframe
4 Months
Key iframes from my web app are undergoing review to be integrated into their statewide perinatal website.
Impact
Navigation Hub
Birth in Color serves mothers and families in the Richmond, Virginia area, with a focus on supporting black and minority communities.
Since its founding in 2018, the organization has been on a mission to “bring cultural inclusivity to the forefront of Maternal Health Reproductive Justice narratives.” Through community events, workshops, and policy advocacy, Birth in Color has established itself as a key advocate for reproductive support in Virginia’s political hub, particularly in its capital, Richmond.
There is an opportunity for Birth in Color to strengthen its digital presence by developing a web app that would enhance user access to its services and support network.
The Context
The Ask
How might we create a web application for Birth in Color to better connect its users to their services?
Journey Map: My First Advocacy Experience with Birth in Color
To design the app, I started by learning how Birth in Color supports families and builds community. In January 2025, I joined their Advocacy Day at the Virginia General Assembly to observe how they connect with healthcare professionals and state leaders. The experience gave me valuable insight into the challenges families face in accessing quality maternal care..
Explore my journey map below for a detailed breakdown of my experience and the insights gathered.⬇️
Journey Map: My Trip to Birth in Color’s Black Maternal Health Summit
The Birth in Color team invited me to attend their Black Maternal Health Summit in April 2025, where I gathered firsthand insights from live panels and healthcare professionals. Sessions covered topics like care gaps, fatherhood in maternal health, and culturally competent medical education. Between panels, I connected with nurses, doulas, and doctors to better understand real-world challenges in maternal care advocacy.
Explore my timeline below to see key moments and insights from the event. ⬇️
Main Insight
Aide-Outsider Interactions Are the Core of Impact
During Advocacy Day, I spoke with Kathryn, an advocate, and Iris, a Virginia-based doula. Both emphasized that real change happens when support extends beyond internal networks. Kathryn highlighted the importance of flexible advocacy that includes non-clinical caregivers, while Iris underscored holistic wellness—caring for the whole person, not just the pregnancy.
At the Maternal Health Summit, nurses and doulas echoed this idea, describing how they navigate pre-existing conditions, insurance barriers, and rigid systems. Their stories showed that progress in maternal care often depends on those working between the medical system and the communities it serves.
My Birth in Color web app—built using Bolt, Netlify, and Cursor—is an ongoing project that I am actively refining in collaboration with the organization to enhance its impact and usability.
Solution
Progressive Web App Revisions Based on Feedback
After collaborating with the Creative Director for Birth in Color, we’ve realigned the project focus to better address the organization's long-term needs. This process has given me valuable experience with a real non-profit organization, especially with revising based on stakeholder feedback and navigating project challenges.
Check out my updated project plan below. As I make progress, tasks will be marked as complete. ⬇️
Project Reflection
I am proud of the primary research conducted for this project. Immersing myself in a type of political advocacy that I believe in and using my research skills to gather insights which directly shape the solution were the highlights of this experience.
Check out my other projects below. ⬇️
