When children leave home, many parents face loneliness, identity confusion, and anxiety during this significant transition.
WonderWeave
An interactive exhibition and companion app helping parents navigate a life transition.
01
Problem and insight
The suddenness.
Parents were never prepared for this strong shift.
Identity transition (parent → self).
Parenting was a core part of their identity.
“At the beginning, I didn't feel so bad, but later when I went to play golf alone without my son, I felt empty. So, I joined a Go club, hoping to overcome that feeling by being interested in a new hobby.”
“Reflection is key. Encouraging parents to revisit meaningful milestones in their child's life can help them see their efforts and successes more clearly.”
Insight
Parents might redefine their role from caretakers to mentors, staying emotionally connected with their children.
Design goal
Help parents facing loss, loneliness, and identity shifts as their children leave for college.
Design focus
Emotional support
Reflection on past parenting successes
Personalized experience
Personalized feedback and long-term support beyond the exhibition
Community and connection
Sharing similar experiences with others
02
The exhibition
Soothing a Crying Baby · First Step Towards Independence · First Night Away · Sharing a Joyful Moment · Managing a Big Change
01
Enter.
Visitors learn the purpose and open the WonderWeave app.
02
Touch a scene.
A video plays on the wall, and a reflection prompt appears on their phone.
03
Take a card.
Support cards offer reflection prompts or calming exercises.
04
Leave with a report.
The app summarizes their reflections and keeps supporting them.
03
Prototype
04
Companion app
The app records each response and generates personalized encouragement and strategies for continued reflection.
Weekly check-in
Weekly questions inspired by Solution-Focused Therapy suggest personal goals.
Grow
Care for a virtual plant that grows with your progress.
Exhibition
Scene prompts during the visit, then a personal summary.
