Can Medical Information Be Understood Without Words? | The Ibuproject & Tuqtuli Explained

What if a patient could understand essential medicine instructions without speaking the local language?

In this second MedTalk with communication designer and Tuqtuli founder Juli Gudehus, we move from theory to practice and explore a fascinating real-world example: The Ibuproject.

The Ibuproject is an international, interdisciplinary initiative that aims to translate information from an ibuprofen patient information leaflet into visual signs and pictograms. The goal is not to create another language, but to develop a communication principle that allows people to understand important health information regardless of their native language.

Together, we discuss:

💊 How an ibuprofen package leaflet is being transformed into visual communication
🌍 Why language barriers remain a major challenge in healthcare worldwide
🖍️ How a shared visual vocabulary can support understanding across cultures
🧠 Why everyone can contribute—even if they believe they "can't draw"
🏥 Potential applications for patients, healthcare professionals, refugees, and people affected by stroke or communication difficulties
🤖 The future role of AI in testing and developing visual communication systems
🎨 Upcoming exhibitions and the growing international Tuqtuli community

The project currently brings together participants from nine countries, six disciplines, and multiple generations, all working towards one ambitious goal: making communication possible when no common language exists.

If you work in healthcare, patient communication, clinical research, health literacy, translation, linguistics, design, or accessibility, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.

🔗 Learn more about Tuqtuli:
Website: https://tuqtuli.com
The Ibuproject: https://tuqtuli.com/the-ibuproject

📱 Follow Tuqtuli:
Instagram: @tuqtuli
LinkedIn: Tuqtuli
Facebook: Tuqtuli
Mastodon: @tuqtuli

💬 What information from a medicine leaflet do you think would be most difficult to communicate using only signs?

#MedTalks #Tuqtuli #Ibuproject #HealthCommunication #MedicalCommunication #HealthLiteracy #PatientCommunication #VisualCommunication #HealthcareInnovation #PatientSafety #GlobalHealth #InterculturalCommunication #PlainLanguage #Accessibility #HealthcareDesign #ClinicalTrials #PatientCentredCare