Abstract

In contemporary society, the shift towards holistic well-being has highlighted the critical importance of emotional health in maintaining overall quality of life. Research indicates that emotional health issues now pose a greater threat to individual well-being and productivity than physical ailments. Despite this, there exists a significant gap in awareness and emphasis between physical and emotional health across various sectors, contributing significantly to the prevalence of mental health issues. This research paper introduces the "Emotional First Aid Kit," a novel design concept aimed at addressing emotional distress in everyday scenarios similar to conventional first aid kits managing physical injuries. The Emotional First Aid Kit aims to raise awareness of mental and emotional health while fostering a proactive approach to coping with daily emotional fluctuations. The paper outlines the design process and principles guiding the development of the Emotional First Aid Kit, including problem domain research, user research, ideation, prototyping, and rigorous testing. Through meticulous testing, findings reveal a heightened sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation among users, enabling them to navigate challenging situations with greater ease and resilience. These insights speak that the Emotional First Aid Kit has the potential to empower individuals with effective coping mechanisms and foster a culture of emotional resilience in contemporary society.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Emotions--Health aspects--Design; Self-care, Health--Design; First aid in illness and injury--Design

Publication Date

5-9-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Industrial Design (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

Design, School of

College

College of Art and Design

Advisor

Alex Lobos

Advisor/Committee Member

Stan Rickel

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

IDDE-MFA

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