Product Design Case Study
Project Overview
It is an interactive and creative installation/game inspired by the form of a bonsai, designed to help cancer patients and their families communicate through a third-party medium.
The game follows the principles of a narrative medicine, allowing participants to engage in storytelling and emotional expression.
Year
2024
My Role
Designer
Professional Supports
Pamela Schaff, MD, PhD - Associate dean for the USC Keck School of Medicine
Wenyi Xu - Psychology Ph.D. student at USC
Target User
7-13years old children from families affected by cancer
Related Fields
Game Design; Product Design; Interaction Installation
Project Progress
Feedback
Alex - Target User Representative
Eric Greiman - Parents Representative
Pamela, Schaff - Professionals Representative
DESIGN SOLUTION
Research
The branches design embraces the organic nature of a bonsai tree, with each branch having a distinct shape and character.
I have integrated the word “language” into the roots, symbolizing its importance as the foundation of communication
The Base
The base of the plant also plays an important role, constructed from interlocking pieces. The top of the base features spaced insert slots, each 5 cm apart, allowing players to insert various branch pieces.
Leaves
The words engraved onto leaves, which players can then insert into the branches or connect with other leaves through an interlocking structure.
Through the user’s engagement, they can create scenarios that imbue these words with emotional weight and meaning.
Unity + Power
just like the ocean
Interlocking Structure
without using glue
User Flow
