Classification

Publication & App Design 

 

Technology + Tools

Adobe Illustrator & XD

 

Objective

Design thesis that explores using art and adventure therapy modalities to develop a system to help teens re-develop their sense of identity after traumatic experiences. 

 

Overview

The concept of my design thesis focused on taking art therapy practices and  adventure therapy models and developing them into a kit of parts to help teens discover their sense of identity. The design solution became a kit of parts made up of a booklet and mobile app. The booklet prioritizes self-reflection and prompts development of personal values, beliefs, principles and ethics. Each spread informs the reader of a topic as well as introduces an art therapy based activity. 

 

The mobile app component of the kit enables communication between peers as well as peers and their mentors. Like the booklet, the app has a weekly activity prompt that focuses on the outdoors and physical engagement. Through the app, further activity information can be accessed and insights from the experience can also be logged. These actions are meant to facilitate a sense of building communication (given COVIDs effects on face-to-face communication) and accountability, through logging activity results and being in touch with peers engaging in the same activities.

 

This design thesis allowed new insight and experiences in a few areas for me.  Given the topic and content communicated, I had to be very thorough with the research gathered. I had an opportunity to be in touch with several contacts involved with therapy and rehab programs, allowing me to gain feedback to make the design and application more efficient and practical. In terms of design, the process allowed time to think about new ways of treating content and how the physical booklet itself could function. Greater typographic play and colors were also exciting highlights during development. Lastly, I continued to familiarize myself with Adobe XD and think about creative ways that content can be displayed from publication to a mobile app.