As a designer and educator, my interest in this project stems from the merging of my teaching experience and knowledge of product design. Being a designer-teacher allows me to actively analyse issues in schooling from a pedagogical approach and solve them through a creative process.
Recent curriculum changes aim to support students' mental well-being, however, there is still a lack of space for the communication of mental well-being between students and teachers.
'MiMood' is an online sharing platform for students to express their mental well-being in a confidential way to a trusted teacher. The data becomes a way for teachers to then discuss results with the class. The light installation piece becomes a conversation starter, reduces the stigma associated with mental health and encourages the adoption of a culture of peer support.
The involvement of both students and teachers allows the teachers to become a stepping stone for students before professional support is sought out.
'MiMood' app and light box is designed for students to confidentially describe their mental wellbeing. The data is represented through a colour gradient in the app homepage and on the light box
Students can only join when a 'MiMood' session has been opened by a hosting teacher. They are brought through a series of questions to identify and describe their mood on that day
At the end of a session a teacher will be presented with all the information inputted by students and can then further discuss any common issues among the class
The light box represents the overall mood of the school when students have inputted their mood for the day
The light box is designed to be situated in a communal area in the school. This encourages the fostering of a peer supported community through whole school involvement
Co-creation and user interview were key to gaining insights for the project in order for it to suit the user and provide a realistic outcome