A digital product to help address one of our most pressing social issues
Gun violence injuries are the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens ages 1-17. The Ad Council's “Agree to Agree” campaign emerged from a powerful premise: when it comes to the health and safety of our kids, we agree on more than we think. We partnered with the Ad Council to build a digital platform that would complement their national program – a tool to help parents and healthcare professionals navigate essential conversations about keeping children and teens safe from firearm-related injuries.
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Design, Development, Strategy, and UX
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Social Impact
Working against the urgency of an escalating crisis, we moved from concept to testable product in weeks. Our research revealed specific moments when these conversations matter most: a parent arranging a playdate at a new friend's house, a pediatrician conducting routine checkups, a concerned adult noticing changed behavior. The platform guides users through these scenarios, offering contextual advice that bridges divides instead of deepening them.
Consider parents who want to ask other parents about unlocked guns in their home before a playdate, but don't know where to start. The platform provides conversational frameworks that acknowledge common anxieties while focusing on shared values – every parent's desire to keep children safe. Inline tips explain the psychology behind specific word choices. Warning signs highlight phrases that might create defensiveness. Each interaction model draws from extensive research in de-escalation and fostering productive dialogue.
The platform we built serves its immediate need while laying the groundwork for broader impact. Age-appropriate guides give parents language for nuanced discussions. Healthcare professionals find resources tailored to patient interactions. Content organization reflects real-world scenarios, making complex topics accessible without diminishing their gravity.
As Cat Boyce, Director of Digital Product Management, noted during design system review, “It's looking incredible. Exactly what we need to build this.” The visual language balances warmth with authority, creating an environment where productive dialogue can flourish.
Happy Cog helped us move from ambiguity to a dynamic, scalable product that meets our diverse audiences. They were a true thought partner and an extension of our team.
At its core, the platform embodies the campaign's central belief – that agreement on children's safety transcends division. Its extensible architecture allows for growth as community needs evolve, reinforcing its role as a lasting space for dialogue, learning, and action. In doing so, it demonstrates that thoughtful digital products can help address our most challenging social issues by creating spaces for understanding and action.