The MotherBoard
// PRODUCT DESIGN | USER RESEARCH
The Motherboard is a pair of digital whiteboards for long distance mother-daughter duos to facilitate connection amidst a new relationship dynamic.
// OVERVIEW
Mindful Parenting
This project was for our first class as design students to go through the full human-centered design process. Assigned with the topic of mindful parenting, we conducted research and developed a final design concept over the course of 10 weeks.
The Motherboard is a pair of digital whiteboards for long distance mother-daughter duos to facilitate connection amidst a new relationship dynamic.
Duration
10 Weeks
Winter 24
Team
M. Baulch [IxD]
M. Pan [ID]
S. Tamana [VCD]
Tools
User Research
Figma
Blender
Prototyping
Deliverables
Prototype
Exhibit poster
Video
Advised By
Dr. Cayla Key
// THE PROBLEM
Support Mindful Parenting
Mindful parenting over distance introduces new challenges in parent-child relationships. As university students, all four of us live away from our families, which prompted our own curiosity into how we could support this new dynamic we're experiencing ourselves.
// RESEARCH
Contextual Inquiry
We gathered insights from 3 long distance mother-daughter pairs through interviews and diary studies that deepened our understanding to the topic.
01: SENSE OF SUPPORT
Mothers seem to be more self-conscious about appearing intrusive in regard to asking about their daughters' lives post move-out.
02: QUALITY TIME
The loss of small non-verbal cues and physical presence due to the new distance makes it harder to connect.
03: RETROSPECTIVE APPRECIATION
As daughters enter the next stage of life, they develop a sense of retrospective appreciation, redefining and expanding the parent/child relationship.
How might we foster emotional connection between mothers and young-adult daughters in long distance relationships as they navigate their new relationship dynamic?
// IDEATION
Celebrate Parenting
// CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Participatory Design Workshop
Our workshop took place through two sessions: one in-person and one online through Mural, both which had different objectives based on participant availability.
The online workshop focused on the usage and shared content of the board as we had 2 mother-daughter pairs.
Participants valued the ability to get a peak into one another's lives through mundane details such as grocery lists or simple doodles.
The in-person workshop had 3 non-related daughters where we focused on the physical functionality.
The ability to maximize expression was emphasized by participants, through elements such as customizable features and preset stickers.
// PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING
Crafting the Mock-Up
Working towards the final exhibition, we crafted a shell out of wood to go over an iPad in order to present our concept. This was also used in our showcase video.
//REFLECTION
The MotherBoard
Next Steps:
With more time, it would be valuable to further refine the interface and physical form as it our first time going through the human-centered design process, our focus was largely centered on the research and concept building.
Takeaways:
A diverse skill set in a team is so valuable! We were fortunate to have a student from each of the design majors which really expanded our abilities as a team.
