Molly-Megan Doe

The research for this project inspired the creation of a kit that could be sent out to schools to provide students with fun activities or challenges to take their mind off school related anxiety. These kits would be delivered and run by recent high school graduates, so that the students do not feel as though they are being spoken down to and instead can have a more open, casual conversation.
The aim for this campaign is to reduce the effects of burnout in high school students. By providing these students with relaxing activities to break up a stressful day of studying, this kit aims to put students in the best frame of mind to complete their high school education.

Elements of this kit include a smash plate activity, which guides students to write down everything that is causing them stress onto a plate, before sealing it in a plastic bag and smashing it on the floor. It also contains the ingredients for Oobleck – a non-Newtonian liquid made from cornflour, to fulfill their sensory needs. There are origami instructions to create both a chatterbox and a crane, to creatively challenge their minds. Next, there is a series of colouring in sheets, to further promote relaxation and mindfulness. Finally, a Rubik’s cube is included, to challenge the student and provide a physical object to fidget with if they are anxious.

To complement the kit that is sent out to schools, this website provides the necessary structure for the company Alleviate. It allows the user to learn the origin story of the company, have a brief introduction to each of the team members, order a kit and organise a session within their high school.

This gif depicts each individual page that has been mocked up for the Alleviate website. As demonstrated, the continued circular elements throughout the campaign provide an identity for Alleviate, and tie each individual screen together. Through this, a consistent design style is applied to the website, making it easier and more pleasant for the user to navigate around.

Also supplied with the kit is a handout book for each student that will be participating. This book is highly personal, and what is written inside is not intended to be shared. This handout book prompts the student to consider what is stressing them out, and works through different ways to change their perspective and overcome their challenges. At the end of the book is a list of different stress-relieving activities that the student can attempt if they desire to, as well as contact numbers for mental health services around Australia if necessary. The design for the handout book was inspired by that of the design research kit, which inspired this campaign.

The design research kit yielded responses that formed this entire campaign. Inspired by examination booklets and contained within a personalised pencil case, this kit was intended to transport these participants back into their high school mindset, to glean the most accurate information from them. This research showed that all the participants felt immense pressure to perform well – and all of them wished for more time in the day to do fun activities, see friends or just sleep.
The design of the research kit also influenced the aesthetic for Alleviate. The use of pale green and circular motifs is consistent between the two pieces, as this produces a calm, yet fun atmosphere.