Oct 2023 - Dec 2024
Gabby
Product Design
Product Design
Bookmaking
Bookmaking
UI/UX Design
UI/UX Design
A student startup project to empower children 6+ to express their emotions and inspire caregivers to navigate meaningful, even challenging, conversations. Through creativity and care, Gabby peels back layers of miscommunication to foster understanding, patience, and stronger family connections.
Children’s mental health has seen a significant decline, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioural challenges, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many parents feel ill-equipped to support their children emotionally, with over 50% struggling to address these needs effectively. As awareness of mental health and emotional intelligence grows, now is the time to provide families with innovative tools to foster connection and resilience.
A student startup project to empower children 6+ to express their emotions and inspire caregivers to navigate meaningful, even challenging, conversations. Through creativity and care, Gabby peels back layers of miscommunication to foster understanding, patience, and stronger family connections.
Children’s mental health has seen a significant decline, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioural challenges, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many parents feel ill-equipped to support their children emotionally, with over 50% struggling to address these needs effectively. As awareness of mental health and emotional intelligence grows, now is the time to provide families with innovative tools to foster connection and resilience.
A student startup project to empower children 6+ to express their emotions and inspire caregivers to navigate meaningful, even challenging, conversations. Through creativity and care, Gabby peels back layers of miscommunication to foster understanding, patience, and stronger family connections.
Children’s mental health has seen a significant decline, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioural challenges, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many parents feel ill-equipped to support their children emotionally, with over 50% struggling to address these needs effectively. As awareness of mental health and emotional intelligence grows, now is the time to provide families with innovative tools to foster connection and resilience.
Services
Product Design
Strategy, Branding
User Research
Services
Product Design
Strategy, Branding
User Research
Services
Product Design
Strategy, Branding
User Research
Tools
Figma
Clip Studio Paint
Textile + Needlework
Tools
Figma
Clip Studio Paint
Textile + Needlework
Tools
Figma
Clip Studio Paint
Textile + Needlework
Key Features
Gabby the Cabbage Buddy - Physical Prototype
Kaylan Has a Bad Day - Instructional Storybook
Revenue Model
Key Features
Gabby the Cabbage Buddy - Physical Prototype
Kaylan Has a Bad Day - Instructional Storybook
Revenue Model
Key Features
Gabby the Cabbage Buddy - Physical Prototype
Kaylan Has a Bad Day - Instructional Storybook
Revenue Model
Client Feedback
Student Project - Professor Armen
In a world where children’s emotional well-being is increasingly prioritized, Gabby Product & Service is a solution that helps kids and caregivers communicate more effectively resonates strongly. By focusing on creativity, empathy, and understanding, the concept addresses not just one-off conversations but the broader family dynamic. I see the opportunity to collaborate with child psychologists, educators, and pediatricians who could lend credibility and help refine the product’s methodologies.
Client Feedback
Student Project - Professor Armen
In a world where children’s emotional well-being is increasingly prioritized, Gabby Product & Service is a solution that helps kids and caregivers communicate more effectively resonates strongly. By focusing on creativity, empathy, and understanding, the concept addresses not just one-off conversations but the broader family dynamic. I see the opportunity to collaborate with child psychologists, educators, and pediatricians who could lend credibility and help refine the product’s methodologies.
Client Feedback
Student Project - Professor Armen
In a world where children’s emotional well-being is increasingly prioritized, Gabby Product & Service is a solution that helps kids and caregivers communicate more effectively resonates strongly. By focusing on creativity, empathy, and understanding, the concept addresses not just one-off conversations but the broader family dynamic. I see the opportunity to collaborate with child psychologists, educators, and pediatricians who could lend credibility and help refine the product’s methodologies.
The Design Process Timeline
Analysis
Analysis
Analysis
Low-Fidelity
Prototype
Low-Fidelity
Prototype
Low-Fidelity
Prototype
User Input
User Input
User Input
Mid-Fidelity
Prototype
Mid-Fidelity
Prototype
Mid-Fidelity
Prototype
User Input
User Input
User Input
Final
Deliverables
Final
Deliverables
Final
Deliverables
Feature 1
Gabby the Cabbage Buddy - Physical Prototype
A peelable cabbage plushie with different emotion indicators in each layer. Secured with velcro, this playful fellow acts as a middleman for children and parents during difficult conversations.
The Process:
Sketches
Low-Fid Prototype
Mid-Fid Prototype Variations
High-Fid Prototype
Feature 1
Gabby the Cabbage Buddy - Physical Prototype
A peelable cabbage plushie with different emotion indicators in each layer. Secured with velcro, this playful fellow acts as a middleman for children and parents during difficult conversations.
The Process:
Sketches
Low-Fid Prototype
Mid-Fid Prototype Variations
High-Fid Prototype
Feature 1
Gabby the Cabbage Buddy - Physical Prototype
A peelable cabbage plushie with different emotion indicators in each layer. Secured with velcro, this playful fellow acts as a middleman for children and parents during difficult conversations.
The Process:
Sketches
Low-Fid Prototype
Mid-Fid Prototype Variations
High-Fid Prototype
Feature 2
Kaylan Has a Bad Day - Instructional Storybook
Kaylan Has a Bad Day is a storybook that features a child who has trouble communicating how they feel to their mom. This book, given alongside Gabby, is a fun way to teach families how Gabby can be used.
The Process:
Scriptwriting
Low-Fid Storyboard
Mid-Fid Storyboard
High-Fid Prototype
Feature 2
Kaylan Has a Bad Day - Instructional Storybook
Kaylan Has a Bad Day is a storybook that features a child who has trouble communicating how they feel to their mom. This book, given alongside Gabby, is a fun way to teach families how Gabby can be used.
The Process:
Scriptwriting
Low-Fid Storyboard
Mid-Fid Storyboard
High-Fid Prototype
Feature 2
Kaylan Has a Bad Day - Instructional Storybook
Kaylan Has a Bad Day is a storybook that features a child who has trouble communicating how they feel to their mom. This book, given alongside Gabby, is a fun way to teach families how Gabby can be used.
The Process:
Scriptwriting
Low-Fid Storyboard
Mid-Fid Storyboard
High-Fid Prototype
Feature 3
Revenue Model
Here is the revenue model, with developmental costs averaging to 14K through plushie-making, website development, and book making. The revenue stream introduces Gabby & Friends with future plans of expansions to customizable options and vegetables. The storybook is also in line for future development.
The Process:
Revenue Model
Feature 3
Revenue Model
Here is the revenue model, with developmental costs averaging to 14K through plushie-making, website development, and book making. The revenue stream introduces Gabby & Friends with future plans of expansions to customizable options and vegetables. The storybook is also in line for future development.
The Process:
Revenue Model
Feature 3
Revenue Model
Here is the revenue model, with developmental costs averaging to 14K through plushie-making, website development, and book making. The revenue stream introduces Gabby & Friends with future plans of expansions to customizable options and vegetables. The storybook is also in line for future development.
The Process:
Revenue Model
Understanding the Challenges
Understanding the Challenges
Understanding the Challenges
The main purpose of this project was to help children voice their feelings in encouraging ways. However, looking at what was available already, it didn't seem like there was a genuine market for these issues. I looked at secondary research and found startling data on declining rates of children's mental health. In a world that is ever-changing, so are parenting methods. With technology now being a prevalent presence in our daily lives, and with the worldwide pandemic stunting developmental growth, how we help our youth now is essential.
The main purpose of this project was to help children voice their feelings in encouraging ways. However, looking at what was available already, it didn't seem like there was a genuine market for these issues. I looked at secondary research and found startling data on declining rates of children's mental health. In a world that is ever-changing, so are parenting methods. With technology now being a prevalent presence in our daily lives, and with the worldwide pandemic stunting developmental growth, how we help our youth now is essential.
The main purpose of this project was to help children voice their feelings in encouraging ways. However, looking at what was available already, it didn't seem like there was a genuine market for these issues. I looked at secondary research and found startling data on declining rates of children's mental health. In a world that is ever-changing, so are parenting methods. With technology now being a prevalent presence in our daily lives, and with the worldwide pandemic stunting developmental growth, how we help our youth now is essential.
Children struggle to articulate emotions. Many children rely on nonverbal cues (like tantrums) to express frustration or sadness, which caregivers can misread and have used digital means to calm them down.
"Dependence on the device may lead to problematic media use and “screen time tantrums” (48), i.e., extreme emotions when media is removed (40). In addition, when digital devices are used for getting instant rewards (35, 36), it may hinder one's ability to delay gratification and control impulses (49, 50). This may lead to a positive feedback loop. As a consequence, an association is frequently found between media use and impulsivity (51–53) or poorer executive functions (54–57)." - V. Konok,
Children struggle to articulate emotions. Many children rely on nonverbal cues (like tantrums) to express frustration or sadness, which caregivers can misread and have used digital means to calm them down.
"Dependence on the device may lead to problematic media use and “screen time tantrums” (48), i.e., extreme emotions when media is removed (40). In addition, when digital devices are used for getting instant rewards (35, 36), it may hinder one's ability to delay gratification and control impulses (49, 50). This may lead to a positive feedback loop. As a consequence, an association is frequently found between media use and impulsivity (51–53) or poorer executive functions (54–57)." - V. Konok,
Children struggle to articulate emotions. Many children rely on nonverbal cues (like tantrums) to express frustration or sadness, which caregivers can misread and have used digital means to calm them down.
"Dependence on the device may lead to problematic media use and “screen time tantrums” (48), i.e., extreme emotions when media is removed (40). In addition, when digital devices are used for getting instant rewards (35, 36), it may hinder one's ability to delay gratification and control impulses (49, 50). This may lead to a positive feedback loop. As a consequence, an association is frequently found between media use and impulsivity (51–53) or poorer executive functions (54–57)." - V. Konok,
As a result of the pandemic, we have seen almost half of children's social and emotional skills worsen. The social prison that we had to be accustomed to had clear effects on our young. As social skills and developmental skills have not been able to grow under such circumstances.
"Children aged 4 to 7 years were 10 percentage points more likely to have seen their social and emotional development worsen than 12- to 15-year-olds (52% versus 42%)." - Cattan, 2023
As a result of the pandemic, we have seen almost half of children's social and emotional skills worsen. The social prison that we had to be accustomed to had clear effects on our young. As social skills and developmental skills have not been able to grow under such circumstances.
"Children aged 4 to 7 years were 10 percentage points more likely to have seen their social and emotional development worsen than 12- to 15-year-olds (52% versus 42%)." - Cattan, 2023
As a result of the pandemic, we have seen almost half of children's social and emotional skills worsen. The social prison that we had to be accustomed to had clear effects on our young. As social skills and developmental skills have not been able to grow under such circumstances.
"Children aged 4 to 7 years were 10 percentage points more likely to have seen their social and emotional development worsen than 12- to 15-year-olds (52% versus 42%)." - Cattan, 2023
Due to different factors such as the rise of technology and changes in family dynamics, there has been a significant decline in young children's mental health over the past decade, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"…researchers from the Health Resources and Services Administration find that anxiety and depression among children ages 3-17 have increased over the last five years." - Osorio, 2022
Due to different factors such as the rise of technology and changes in family dynamics, there has been a significant decline in young children's mental health over the past decade, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"…researchers from the Health Resources and Services Administration find that anxiety and depression among children ages 3-17 have increased over the last five years." - Osorio, 2022
Due to different factors such as the rise of technology and changes in family dynamics, there has been a significant decline in young children's mental health over the past decade, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"…researchers from the Health Resources and Services Administration find that anxiety and depression among children ages 3-17 have increased over the last five years." - Osorio, 2022
The Solutions
The Solutions
The Solutions
1) A Physical Solution
The main solution is to make a physical object rather than a digital solution. What makes Gabby different from other emotion regulation dolls, though? There are many different types of emotion regulation toys. But they either don’t have enough emotion indicators or have too many detachable parts that can cause issues for younger children. Gabby’s face-flipping style has no need of detachable parts, and is soft and comforting.
1) A Physical Solution
The main solution is to make a physical object rather than a digital solution. What makes Gabby different from other emotion regulation dolls, though? There are many different types of emotion regulation toys. But they either don’t have enough emotion indicators or have too many detachable parts that can cause issues for younger children. Gabby’s face-flipping style has no need of detachable parts, and is soft and comforting.
1) A Physical Solution
The main solution is to make a physical object rather than a digital solution. What makes Gabby different from other emotion regulation dolls, though? There are many different types of emotion regulation toys. But they either don’t have enough emotion indicators or have too many detachable parts that can cause issues for younger children. Gabby’s face-flipping style has no need of detachable parts, and is soft and comforting.
2) Make Learning Enjoyable
Although Gabby isn't a very confusing object to use, it might be a bit awkward or daunting for parents and children to use in real-life situations. As such, a storybook is provided to teach families how Gabby can be used.
2) Make Learning Enjoyable
Although Gabby isn't a very confusing object to use, it might be a bit awkward or daunting for parents and children to use in real-life situations. As such, a storybook is provided to teach families how Gabby can be used.
2) Make Learning Enjoyable
Although Gabby isn't a very confusing object to use, it might be a bit awkward or daunting for parents and children to use in real-life situations. As such, a storybook is provided to teach families how Gabby can be used.
3) Make an Understandable Model
While creating low-fidelity prototypes, I couldn't help but remember the one quote from Shrek, a beloved classic.
"Ogres are like onions, we have layers"
And thus the veggie emotional regulation doll was born! A fun and easy-to-understand model for children, this might encourage a better relationship between children and nourishing foods.
3) Make an Understandable Model
While creating low-fidelity prototypes, I couldn't help but remember the one quote from Shrek, a beloved classic.
"Ogres are like onions, we have layers"
And thus the veggie emotional regulation doll was born! A fun and easy-to-understand model for children, this might encourage a better relationship between children and nourishing foods.
3) Make an Understandable Model
While creating low-fidelity prototypes, I couldn't help but remember the one quote from Shrek, a beloved classic.
"Ogres are like onions, we have layers"
And thus the veggie emotional regulation doll was born! A fun and easy-to-understand model for children, this might encourage a better relationship between children and nourishing foods.
Results and Takeaways
Results and Takeaways
Results and Takeaways
The joy I felt after finishing Gabby and getting to hold her was incredible. The process of making a physical product was long and gruelling, but so worth it. Although for future reference, I would spend more time on choosing fabrics and assembling the faces, I would say that this project was a resounding success. I wish to complete the book further and have a physical copy in the future. Working on this project gave me such a deep respect for product designers as they go through so many failed prototypes that take much longer than digital ones on Figma.
The joy I felt after finishing Gabby and getting to hold her was incredible. The process of making a physical product was long and gruelling, but so worth it. Although for future reference, I would spend more time on choosing fabrics and assembling the faces, I would say that this project was a resounding success. I wish to complete the book further and have a physical copy in the future. Working on this project gave me such a deep respect for product designers as they go through so many failed prototypes that take much longer than digital ones on Figma.
The joy I felt after finishing Gabby and getting to hold her was incredible. The process of making a physical product was long and gruelling, but so worth it. Although for future reference, I would spend more time on choosing fabrics and assembling the faces, I would say that this project was a resounding success. I wish to complete the book further and have a physical copy in the future. Working on this project gave me such a deep respect for product designers as they go through so many failed prototypes that take much longer than digital ones on Figma.