Creative Brief

BBC StoryWorks, in partnership with Google Health, commissioned Little Shadow to contribute visual content for a feature exploring how artificial intelligence is being used to detect tuberculosis disease, still affecting millions worldwide. The brief required a narrative visual treatment that could convey complex medical information in a gentle, engaging way. We were asked to create a sequence of illustrations presented in a stylised book format, guiding viewers through the origins, evolution, and physiological journey of TB.

Our Approach

We designed a visual language rooted in illustrated storytelling, striking a balance between clarity, warmth, and scientific integrity. Each page in the “book” sequence was crafted to move the story forward: from the historical context of TB, to its biological spread through the lungs, and the challenges in detection and diagnosis.

Working closely with the production team, we produced hand-drawn illustrations using Procreate and Photoshop, then animated page transitions and elements in After Effects. The goal was to create a seamless visual metaphor-like flipping through a medical storybook, while subtly integrating callouts and layered anatomical detail.

The style avoided sterile medical realism, opting instead for textured backgrounds, warm colour palettes, and elegant infographics that would resonate with both general audiences and the healthcare community.

The Results

The animated illustrations formed the heart of the TB segment in the Health in Progress series by BBC StoryWorks. The content was praised for its accessibility and sensitivity, helping communicate the role of AI in transforming early TB detection, particularly in underserved regions.