Seeing Inside Myself gives children diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia a flexible resource for understanding and emotionally processing their disease and treatment. It aims to provide information and outlets for all coping mechanisms in an age-appropriate manner.
At the time of diagnosis, a family would be given a self-contained package containing three booklets and a figurine.
The booklets "Seeing Inside Myself", "Seeing Inside My Mind", and "Seeing Inside Treatment", are a pictographic story which explains the scale and basics of A.L.L., a diary, and a parental guide to treatment respectively.
Children at such a young age have difficulty comprehending things they cannot perceive. These pages take a zooming in approach that gradually takes them from the visible to the microbiology through the body a character they can hold in their hand.
Seeing Inside Treatment gives parents an information graphics reference for general information. Thorough knowledge allows for better planning and emotionally supporting their child. It can be hard to absorb information medical professionals give during diagnosis while stressed and can be exaggerated for parents with educational, language, or other barriers.
The figurine is activated at the doctor's office with a lap board with an attached ultraviolet light. This shows what is invisible to the naked eye, a parallel to the child's invisible disease while serving as a distraction during blood collection to ease the process.
After chemotherapy infusions, children also receive collectible Blood Cells to put in their Blood Droplet displays. Each is like a trophy for completing such a hard task while also giving the child a hands-on model of something small.
Each Blood Droplet is formatted to fit each of it’s cell type - white, red, and other.
In some treatment centers, the collectibles could be integrated into the infusion room with a "easter egg hunt" wall, which would encourage bonding and support networks.
Out of Sight Drawer is a kitchen drawer insert that protects Alzheimer’s patients from potentially harmful culinary tools. By creating a false bottom, the Out of Sight Drawer provides a camouflaged layer where dangerous objects can be stored, without the inconvenience and hostility of drawer locks. The design’s easy-to-remove bottom allows caregivers unhindered access to the hidden implements, providing an unobtrusive system that allows for the everyday care of Alzheimer’s sufferers without disturbing the natural living environment.
Out of Sight serves to protect those with Alzheimer’s from the dangers of cooking while maintaining usability of the kitchen. The Range Cover hides the range and oven knobs, which often spark the inclination to cook. When a caregiver wants to use the appliance, they simply slide the cover over, using it as a chopping block.
Children can sit on Halcyon’s head, body, or on her tongue as she wades through the watering hole. Designed for play and lounging, she’s soft and cushy. She’s light enough for small children to interact with but durable enough to last.
Hallie’s tongue is removable and can be used as a floor cushion… or just playfully stick out of her mouth!
Final seat testing before upholstering.
Form, color, and material inspiration
Process
Final maquette
Initial stages of foam rubber sculpting
Inspired by kirigami, this lampshade was designed to be sent as a single sheet of perforated paper and assembled at home through a series of folds and tucks. Group project with Jennifer Freeman.
The two Venus Rugs were patterned by abstracting Boticelli’s Birth of Venus. Theories of color adjacencies and proportions were used to maintain the compelling visual energy of the original painting.
The painting was deconstructed and rearranged to assess the proportions of each color.
Sedap is a tableware set for a Balinese restaurant that specializes in Nasi Campur, a mixed rice dish. Traditionally, this dish is served with all of the components seperate then mixed by the diner if they choose. The meal is accompanied by Kopi Bali, the coffee harvested with the aid of a cat-like animal native to Bali. The forms are inspired by ancient temples, rice paddies, and traditional garments.
Inspired by the life and work of Charlotte Perriand, Savoie’s brand is elegant and bold. The forms and finishes embrace the minimalism, strong geometry, and practicality found in her products. The rectangular frame is used in the counter display as well as the tester tray and display cabinets. The triangular lipstick allows for stacking both efficient storage and displays.