Amy Kim
Externalizing the Internal Effect of Medication
If an internal effect of medication is externalized, would societal perception that has pressured people to hide taking medication in public change?
This project aims to enlighten long-term medication users who suffer from medical conditions, specifically depression, to embody the medication rather than concealing it. The interactive chairs designed in this project will allow the users to develop a deeper understanding and raise a positive perception of taking medication. The externalization and user’s acceptance of the medication effect will slowly empower other members of society to participate in the experience of the interactive chairs. Hence, users will not bear the pressure of reframing societal perceptions towards medication alone.
Insight
People suffering from illnesses that require long-term treatment such as depression often feel frustration and discouragement. The regular intake of medication for an extended period of time in exposed settings such as an office, school, or workplace may cause fear since it may reveal their health status to others. Also, users often get discouraged by delayed effects following the medication, believing that the drugs are ineffective. My project will enhance the user’s knowledge of medication through deeper understanding. By understanding it further, it will help them become less discouraged and be able to confidently take their medication.
Idea
The project provides users with rapid interaction that have deep values embedded. The interactive chairs are situated in a group therapy session, where users will be able to realize the importance and benefits of the medication, which improves their health. The three versions of the chairs target a wide variety of patients with depression and have various experiences around the medication. By engaging with the parts, it will transform into a functional chair, adding comfort, and creating stability as it represents the positivity of the medication. The interaction enlightens the necessity of taking medication and transform perceptions of medication intake.
Impact
The interactive chairs externalize the medication and bring a positive impact to their health through the process of assembling the chairs. From these experiences, the users will acknowledge the potential improvements in their health coming from the medication. The assembled chairs will remind the users of the importance of taking medication and will lead to a positive mindset when they continue to take medication. As the chairs effectively aid in curing patients with depression, the next step would be to install them in public places so more people can engage with the chair, in the hopes of reframing negative societal perceptions toward medication.
Biography
Amy is an emerging Industrial Designer who has specific interests in woodworking and fabrication. She is passionate about developing concepts for manufactured products such as health products, furniture, and daily home products. She hopes to express her creativity by designing products that will satisfy various types of users by providing them with engaging experiences. As a talented drawer, she is proficient in drawing detailed hand-drawn sketches and enhancing the aesthetics of her designs.