pawsitive
user experience design | spatial design
jan '22 - apr '22
pawsitive aims to shape the future of therapy by introducing pets, creating a comfortable and engaging environment for therapy to be effective.
brief
studio project | supervised by sixiu tan
students will first identify a product/service of interest, he/she will conceptualize a unique experience that aims to increase the desirability of the product/service and customer satisfaction in a physical environment, the designed experience should include an online/digital component. the student is expected to research deeply on the product/service origin, functionality, and related cultural aspects in the process.
discover & define
therapy, now.
starting or going to therapy can be a daunting task, especially when our society places many negative connotations behind it. but why is that the case when therapy brings us so much benefits for our mental well-being and more?
breaking stereotypes
by anchoring on the pre-existing human-animal bond, it is proven that interaction with pets can help release endorphins that produce a calming effect.
my intervention
to maximise the success of pawsitive, i developed a 4-stage intervention as follow.
develop & deliver
stage 1:
familiarisation
the presence of a therapy dog help creates a comfortable, relaxed, and safe environment that aids in establishing rapport between the patient and her therapists.
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a good foundation of trust & security is pivotal for stage 2, identification.
stage 2:
identification
open & honest conversations are able to happen more effectively as therapy dogs don't judge, and are trained to be sensitive to human emotions.
stage 3:
progression
this stage tends to be harder when the patient learns to overcome his/her troubles and frame their mindset to work towards better mental health.
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this is guided by an obstacle course, each representing a challenge that the patient hopes to overcome. the patient would then guide the therapy dog through these obstacles, giving them control over their struggles and seeing things from another perspective.
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after the activity, the therapist would then guide the patient to reflect and wrap up the session.
stage 4:
resolution
at this stage, actionable items will be curated for the patient to practice outside of therapy, ensuring that healing occurs both during and after the session.
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this is guided by the pawsitive app.
