Diplomprosjekt
Høst 2024
Institutt for design
ShiftTalk explores the challenges in Chinese parent-child relationships, with a particular focus on remote communication scenarios, and envisions how media can facilitate positive shifts in these relationships.
The project identified five key challenges in parent-child relationships, with “unequal power dynamics” serving as the core leverage point. Besides, these challenges are often manifested through the unconscious repetition of outdated communication habits that fail to meet the evolving needs of the relationship.
The final design is a plug-in system integrated into WeChat, China’s most widely used so-cial platform, and can be used in daily communication scenarios. This solution provides four feature groups to support the transformation of parent-child communication habits, with “trust” and “data security” as core principles.
1. Communication habit practice system
The core of the plug-in system is a habit practice module, consisting of expert-verified re-sources, a feedback loop, and a resource recommendation mechanism. Based on user per-formance and feedback, the system optimizes resource recommendations, enabling users to adjust their communication habits flexibly to meet their specific needs.
2. Supporting emotion regulations
The system can identify moments of heightened emotion during communications and provide timely reminders and tools for emotional regulation.
3. Supporting reflection on communication
The system enables users to record specific communication clips for later review and re-flection. During the review process, the system offers various types of feedback on the conversation content to inspire users to uncover underlying issues and personal needs. This feature also enables users to document positive aspects of their communication.
4. Extending communication scenarios
In addition to traditional forms of direct communication—text, voice, and video calls—ShiftTalk introduces an indirect communication scenario. This feature enables users to engage in natural and enjoyable interactions that broaden topics of communication. By digitally presenting the physical spaces of both parties, users gain a more contextualized understanding of each other’s lives.
All these features collectively foster more equitable, effective, and open communication, ultimately promoting positive shifts in relationships over time.
Yijuan Wang
