Inner canvas : an exploration of creative journalling practice : Master of Design Thesis

Abstract

In Aotearoa New Zealand, mental health has been under discussed among most Asian communities due to cultural stigma, and inadequate culturally responsive services. My Master of Design research uses visual communication design, illustration, and creative practices to develop an informative and interactive journal, wellbeing resource, targeted to young Asian adults (18-28) that aims to enhance their overall wellbeing. My project is grounded in human-centred design, informed by design psychology, trauma-informed principles, and social design. The project adopts a strength-based language approach. The journal highlights the idea of empowerment and self-reflection. It includes guided prompts about emotional triggers, personal goals, and coping techniques, alongside creative activities such as collage-making and doodling. These activities promote stigma-free engagement with emotions. Specifically, culturally resonating visual language, such as patterns, lotus, waves, lanterns, and earthy and soothing colour palettes are used to produce a safe and reassuring journalling space with Asian youth. The methodology involves user testing of the journal with 11 participants during one week with an emphasis on usability, emotional resonance, and engagement. My project combines the use of culturally responsive visuals with reflective journalling to show how design can be an empowering resource that helps improve wellbeing of young Asians in Aotearoa New Zealand.