Design Problem
Description of Project Topic
2020 has witnessed the thorough change of distance between people. It is pretty hard for many families to see each other, which reduces the face-to-face communication between family members, possibly leading to more accumulated misunderstandings and conflicts.
Moreover, studies indicate that the psychological impact of COVID-19 is much greater than any other large-scale traumatic events before, and the prevalence of all types of depression has been raised and patients’ age structure tends to be younger. Reports illustrate that "family" is an essential factor affecting the course of the disease, and family members' incomprehension appears to be the main source of suffering.
Our project aims to link and strengthen the daily connection between families who are separated by the pandemic, and to narrow the spatial distance through humanized design, so that emotional needs can be better communicated. At the same time, the understanding, cares and vertical communication between the families from different generations will be enhanced via our design. We try to make “family” serve as a gentle net to stretch and embrace its members who are far away facing the epidemic alone.
"Home" is an eternal concept whose warmth will not be diminished by "distance". Undesirable noises may be caused by the lack of a strong string connecting each other appropriately, and our design aroused by the emotional communication will be an attempt to tie up both ends of the string in a firm way.
Problems We Try to Address
Some intensified issues within families during the epidemic:
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It is difficult for some family members to meet each other and the distance possibly leads to the lack of communication as well as the necessary and opportune transmission of emotional flows.
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Generation gap has been widened, as a result of which, misunderstandings and conflicts between young children and their parents have exacerbated.
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During the epidemic, the prevalence of mental illness has increased sharply and demonstrates a younger trend. Family, a cardinal factor affecting depression and other psychological problems, is often the last straw that breaks the camel’s back.
Target Audience
Family members who are forced to split due to the epidemic or other realistic reasons, especially those with intergenerational communication barriers, or the transmission of emotions of whom are hindered by distance.