TANGLED THOUGHTS

SENIOR THESIS

WINTER 2021

What Was Asked:

Finding a problem/issue that I wanted to explore, research and then find a design solution to help solve the issue. I chose my focus to be about stress and anxiety because throughout my experience as a college student, I have found myself struggling with these feelings. I wanted to create a solution that can help other people with this issue as well.

The Outcome:

I created a program called Tangled Thoughts. The goal of this program is to create a safe space where people can vent and write down everything that is bothering them. The program utilizes the process of mind mapping to help people reevaluate their stress. The solution has a digital and print solution since digital can access a wider range of people, while print can have a therapeutic effect for people. To go along with the program, I created social media posts and postcards to act as entry points.

scroll down icon
scroll down icon
scroll down icon
scroll down icon
asterisk symbol for key.

When you make your account, you can pick from a range of avatars to use from the site or you have the option to upload a photo of yourself.

scroll down icon
asterisk symbol for key.

I wanted my image treatment to reflect the internal conflict that people are having when they are over stressed and anxious. By having all the elements overflowing and rushing out of the person's head, you can feel the chaos.

scroll down icon
scroll down icon
scroll down icon
scroll down icon
asterisk symbol for key.

Above, you can see an example of how someone would work through making a mind map. The site takes the user through a prompt system to get familiar with the interactive elements, all while asking how they are feeling and what they're thinking.

scroll down icon
scroll down icon
asterisk symbol for key.

The markers are the same colors that the digital application uses. This creates a smooth transition from digital to paper experience.

scroll down icon
scroll down icon
scroll down icon
scroll down icon
scroll down icon
asterisk symbol for key.

Binding the pages together is an elastic band, so people can easily remove, add, or replace any pages in their journal.

scroll down icon
scroll down icon
asterisk symbol for key.

To get new pages, users can either buy the official pages from the website, or they can scan the QR code in the back of the book to print out the templates. The spreads in this book are 8.5 x 11 so they can easily print them anywhere with no hassle!

scroll down icon
scroll down icon
scroll down icon
asterisk symbol for key.

The postcards above can easily be distributed in doctor offices, high schools, and college campuses. Where if someone is showing emotional distress or high levels of anxiety, they can give the person a card with all the information they'll need.