Connect
Connect is a journaling application for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, intending to improve their Social and Emotional Wellbeing through cultural reflection.
It is designed to foster an environment encouraging them to develop daily habits of cultural self-reflection, starting with a manageable amount each day. More specifically, it encompasses self-reflection prompts, daily challenges, and recommendations that encourage users to engage with their culture.
Contribution
Research
Planning
Writing
Editing
Designing For the Physical Journal
Team
Herbie Kuang
Sally Fang
Fiona Han
Serena Han
Tools
Figma
Canva
Miro
Date
2024
Group Project
CONTEXT
Our client, Jasper Garay from Tribal Warriors, hopes to explore how current health, wellbeing, and cultural evidence could translate to digital health products and identify opportunities for investments at intersections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB).
Some of the CTG outcomes and targets he aims to reach include “people enjoying high levels of SEWB” and “people [having] access to information and services enabling participation in informed decision-making regarding their own lives”.
Design Challenge
The challenge lies in the fact that Aboriginal young people often feel disconnected from their culture and require tailored SEWB care that supports that connection. However, cultural reflection encompasses a wide range of aspects. Furthermore, some Aboriginal people live in remote areas without internet access or do not use phones frequently.
The Outcome
Connect is to establish a platform that fosters an environment encouraging Aboriginal people to develop daily habits of cultural self-reflection, starting with a manageable amount each day. The artifacts include an interactive app prototype and a physical journal. The physical journal is designed for people who have problems accessing the app.
Understand & Define
The Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities need a platform that supports individual cultural reflection practices because they need tailored Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) and mental health care that fosters a strong connection to culture.
SITUATION
Design Principles
TASK
User Journey Map
Design Rebrief
Low-Fidelity Prototype (App)
ACTION
Material Preparation (Physical Journal)
High-Fidelity Prototype (App)
Revision (Physical Journal)
Interactive App Prototype
Physical Journal
RESULT
Exhibition
Reflection
For me, the design and implementation of the physical journal have been the most challenging aspects of the project. I revised the design and content of it twice, ultimately finalizing the creation process. The physical journals are distributed weekly to the different community centers and willing to collaborate with the community centers to design weekly events, such as bonfire movie nights or weekend hiking activities, fostering stronger connections and communication between users and the community.
As a group, we share research equally, develop concepts through brainstorming and starbursting sessions, and meticulously craft reports together. We conducted field studies at an Aboriginal craft store and exhibition. I played a more prominent role in establishing the information architecture and designing the visual style for creating the physical journal.