allie
allie is a playful therapeutic game to help kids with social anxiety to manage their everyday lives.
Sound Design | Team member- Marie Spreitzer, Ellis Walker, Niklas Andreasen | 3 weeks | 2023 | University: Umea Institute of design
Overview
"allie" is the result of an annual project at the Umeå Institute of Design that brings together interaction and product designers from the master's program to explore the intersection of both professions, especially in the field of UX. The task was to develop a physical product that uses sound and other tangible elements to innovatively solve a problem or improve an existing product or an experience.
My Role:
The research and ideation were truly group work, however, some of my specific roles during this project included target group interviews, Sketching, CAD modeling with Rhino, and keyshot Visualization.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder can have a significant negative impact on children's daily lives, as they often feel intense fear in social situations. Early interventions can be highly effective in managing anxiety, but receiving therapy can be difficult due to stigma, costs, and limited access. To overcome these barriers, children need engaging, accessible, and tangible therapy.
How might we overcome barriers by making child therapy more engaging, accessible, and tangible?
Concept Video
Concept
"Allie" is a therapeutic system designed specifically for children aged 5 to 9 with social anxiety disorder. It features a customizable hero companion that helps children cope and improve their condition. By providing stability and enhancing self-confidence during moments of anxiety, the modular system of patches helps to recall learned skills through positive reinforcement.
-
Supportive companion
-
Interactive therapy base
-
Charging home base
-
Personalizable patches
-
Guiding digital platform
Personalized Interaction
Each unique patch is tailored to an individual's emotional needs, providing a tangible representation of specific feelings that children can cling to during times of stress or incorporate into therapeutic play sessions.
Individual evolvement
The fully customizable companion is designed with soft, child-friendly materials such as silicone and soft textiles. It can be effortlessly disassembled allowing for convenient updates to its appearance. As a result, the companion is constantly evolving and becomes adaptable, tailored to meet the child's individual needs.
Playful Encounters
The charging base is equipped with an induction charging mat, which is securely attached to its underside. Additionally, the combination of silicone and wood materials not only provides a visually appealing and playful design for children in their early stages of life but also enhances its overall richness.
