Uncomfortable Immersion

Toolkit for Chloe Marcela Coelho

This project explores the way that Western society deals with grief; especially in adolescents. It considers the emotional complexities within grief and the socio-cultural misconceptions. Personal autonomy was strongly encouraged in their grief journey, using Human-Centred Design. A grief book was created to guide the bereaving to construct ritual objects, which help the adolescent process and comprehend at their own pace, while maintaining important metaphysical relationships with the deceased in the form of tangible reminders of the deceased through their handwriting onto crafted objects.

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Uncomfortable Immersion by Chloe Coelho

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Uncomfortable Immersion Toolkit Press Releases

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Unique Properties

The project explores the way that our society deals with grief; particularly in adolescents. It considers the emotional complexities within grief and the socio-cultural misconceptions. Using Human-Centred Design, a grief book was created to guide the bereaving to construct ritual objects which help the adolescent process and comprehend at their own pace, while maintaining important metaphysical relationships with the deceased. Personal autonomy was strongly encouraged in their grief journey.

Tags

Grief, Death, Ritual, Empathy, Social Impact, Adolescence, Support, Mourning, Pendant, Scarf

Production Technology

The companion artefact to the grief book, 'Without Expectations', was a pendant made from the signature of a loved one which was 3D printed in PLA and cast in sterling silver. The grief scarf uses a unique black thermochromic ink that becomes transparent above 27C. This was infused into silk containing a printed letter from their lost loved one, that only appears with the ritualistic gesture of touch. The novel manufacturing process for the resultant scarf required many iterations to perfect.

Design Challenge

Institutionalized death has misconstrued grief in our society. Grievers are expected to avoid emotional depth and showing vulnerability, especially for teenagers. This alienates and discourages teenagers from dealing with grief in a healthy manner. During vast physical and mental changes, reworking identities and shifting parental dynamics, a loved one's death is crushing. While initial support around the funeral is crucial, support is often scarce months after a death when it's needed most.

Project Duration

The project was started in March 2018 as part of the Honours Project in Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) at RMIT University (City Campus). The project was completed in November of 2018.

Operation Flow

Without Expectation is a practical guide for adolescents in a time of loss. It approaches the subject with sensitivity, that respects the maturity and hardship the teenager has unwittingly embarked upon. Through the use of approachable stories about grief and transformation, the user is informed of harmful fallacies that are common in western society. It promotes concepts of death literacy and ritualism in mourning, including a memorial pendant and a scarf with handwriting from the deceased.

Research

Uncomfortable Immersion uses human-centred and service design ideas to provide an empathic toolset for grieving adolescents. Extended research into existing literature, interviews about loss and evaluation from psychologists and deathcare specialists provided a foundation for new concepts around grief care. The project has been heavily requested and discussed in relation to personal memorials and discourse in deathcare field. As well allowing exploration of my personal experience of loss.

Inspiration

Grief is a universal aspect of the human condition that is rarely discussed in western society, which often frames grief as a 'stage' for people to overcome with most support occurring during the funeral. However, new frameworks suggest that grief is an ongoing process. This leaves long-term grievers without support or agency, creating unnecessary suffering. Embracing my personal experience of losing my mother at thirteen has shown me that grief is not something to be rushed or prescribed.

Project Overview

Uncomfortable Immersion Toolkit has been a Iron winner in the Social Design award category in the year 2019 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Chloe Coelho.

Iron Recognition

Chloe Coelho was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2020, a testament to excellence of their work Uncomfortable Immersion Toolkit.

Chloe Coelho Press Releases

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Uncomfortable Immersion: Redefining Grief with Innovative Toolkit

Chloe Coelho's Uncomfortable Immersion project reimagines grief support for adolescents, challenging societal norms and fostering personal autonomy in mourning.

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