Terra Pham
Rained
How might we support users in changing their spending habits by keeping in touch with their emotions to improve their day to day life?
Rained is a system of applications dedicated to the improvement of students' and young adults’ lives as they use shopping as their only coping mechanism. Through this app, users begin to understand the relationship between the two flows of emotions and finances that rules over them. This is accomplished by first understanding what financial archetype they are. Then start the conversation between the events in their life that evokes these emotions resulting in the "shopping spree of despair". They will be met with an unbiased opinion to see themselves in a new light.
Insight
As the pandemic progresses, no one has yet to take shopping addictions seriously and address them properly. This is because of the demand to consume in our society, since it is normal to want to buy things for yourself. It could be to satisfy their own impulses or to gratify their own accomplishments. Regardless, the market to pair the psychology of emotions with personal finances is something that requires more resources.
Idea
With the demand to consume in our society, the escape through digital media and the strange emotions that consume us during these times, the Rained system was created. The main app starts the user’s journey towards bettering themselves through self-identification. From there the real challenge begins as notifications, through the Chrome extension, are given when the user is seen to be in distress emotionally. Based on the emotional Ai built into the system, the second level of notification, through a smartwatch, will help manage their emotions. Finally, to support themselves in this lifestyle change, the user will be prompted to reflect and progress.
Impact
By connecting the psychological aspects of emotions with the user's personal finances, the conversation to seek external help when necessary is opened. Since this journey will begin as self-help towards better shopping habits, through the collection of journals and emotional data that is directly compared to the user's spendings, it can be easily handed off to a professional, as a therapist can gain the understanding of their client much easier when in their appointment.
Biography
Terra Pham is a multidisciplinary designer who loves to try new things. Beginning as an artist, Terra began the path towards a designer during high school as the introduction revolved around graphic design. Despite the previous years of study and developed skills within a different aspect of design, Terra decided to study Industrial Design to obtain her Bachelors of Design. With the goal to become a jack of all trades, Terra explores all different aspects of design. As Terra believes that inspiration and motivation come from the people around her, the best design comes from a well-organized team. Alongside the points of inspiration, Terra unconsciously makes connections between humanity and nature as the exploration in human-centred design and sustainability is heavily prevalent in Terra’s work.