Design Exploration

This project began as an exploration of UI/UX design, developing a free online counseling and therapy app for teens with a goal of making mental health resources more accessible in a digital world. Realizing the bias and issue of technology accessibility for teens of varying economic backgrounds, I began to rethink my approach. This exploration led me to a deep dive into human-centered design and social design.

Understanding Various Facets of Trauma

How could access to healing tools positively impacted pivotal moments during our teenage years? In what ways can design be used to design meaningful resources?

The first step was understanding trauma and how it impacts youth. Researching the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) study led to research on complex and race-based trauma, PTSD and microaggressions. From home life to school, and instant access to violence online, African American youth can be impacted at every level.

Research also included unconventional approaches to treating trauma like Growth Mindset, emotional acupressure, and other mindfulness practices.

You can get a more in depth look into my research and findings in my thesis book.

Building Healing-Centered Tools

As I began designing tools, I was challenged with another question, Is there a real need for these resources or has my perspective been based on my own needs?

I met with Holistic Design Strategist, Denise Shanté Brown for insight on how to approach this new challenge. Gathering more knowledge, I interviewed a School Psychologist, Principal and PPW. I then pitched my thesis project to a Middle School Principal and her counseling staff with the goal of hosting a workshop focus group.

The Den Visioning Workshop

With the participation of amazing youth, I facilitated an interactive, three-part workshop that explored wellness activities for stress relief, conflict resolution, and positive thinking. We were able to build a safe space to share and create. In our final workshop, they were able to design their ideal safe space using art materials and Pottery Barn catalogs. Sharing the sample Mindfulness Kit, they provided me with insight that affirmed that the tools were indeed beneficial for youth.

The Den Mindfulness Kit

A ton of research? I know! But designing with intention and purpose resulted in a phenomenal resource, The Den Mindfulness Kit.

If implemented in the real world, The Den is a community organization providing wellness resources for teens and their families. The Den partners with schools to provide a monthly kit for teens. Each month teens will receive new resources to aid in their wellness journey.

Inside The Box

The first kit includes guide books, activity cards, and swag like an enamel pin and tote bag.

• The Chill Zone - a double-sided wellness plan activity card. Youth can create a plan when they’re having a challenging day, whether they’re at school, home, or in their community. On the other side of the card is a checklist of actionable steps they can take to re-center themselves. This pocket size card can fit in their pocket or bag to go wherever they are.

• Scratch Off Card - a fun activity that reveals a positive affirmation.

• Mindfulness Guide Books - each month guide books will introduce new wellness practices to teens.

Healing As A Collective Experience

Due to COVID-19’s closing of schools worldwide, the projects real world potential was cut short. Enjoy images below from my process and purchase the thesis book for a full dive into the process. If you’re interested in bringing this resource to life I’d love to chat!