seam

My thesis explored how people cope with and build resilience after experiencing gender-based microaggressions. The research looked at these experiences through the perspectives of sexism, trauma, and resilience. In particular, I explored how repeated microaggressions can contribute to self-doubt, internalized blame, rumination, hypervigilance, and a sense of disconnection, while also examining ways people can regain a sense of understanding, agency, and support.

My goal was not to redefine trauma or propose a universal solution to microaggression. Instead, I wanted to better understand the everyday psychological impact of these experiences and explore how design could contribute to resilience, inclusion, and more supportive ways of processing them.

The research showed how microaggressions can remain hidden and under-recognized, leaving people feeling ashamed, isolated, or questioning their own experience. Without recognition or validation, the experience can turn into rumination—replaying what happened and wondering what they did wrong.

I explored existing approaches to recovery, including grounding, sensemaking, and community support. These pointed toward a design that could help users regulate in the moment, reflect on their experiences, and build a sense of support over time.

I synthesized the research findings into a user journey to better understand the emotional progression, needs, and pain points of someone experiencing gendered microaggressions. From this, I created a persona that represented the patterns identified through the research and workshop. I then validated both the persona and the journey with a therapist to align perspectives.

I began looking for a way to make this otherwise invisible process more tangible, something that could acknowledge the damage without suggesting that a person is broken, and I found Kintsugi quickly as a fitting metaphor.

My first concept was a community-based Kintsugi workshop, where participants would create, break, and repair ceramic objects together. However, as I developed the concept, I realized that the intimacy of these experiences could make a group setting uncomfortable or limiting.

After discussing the concept with a licensed therapist, I shifted toward an individual focus that could provide personalized support while still preserving the possibility of community later on.

With the concept defined, I translated the core needs and user journey into the key features and structure of the experience. I focused on creating a system that could support the user before, during, and between therapy sessions, while making the Kintsugi metaphor an integral part of the experience rather than a separate visual element.

One of my biggest challenges was balancing the symbolic with the practical. I wanted Kintsugi to remain a meaningful part of the experience, while making sure it did not overwhelm the user or become purely decorative. This also shaped the visual system: showing progress was important, but making the Kintsugi too present made the interface feel cluttered and stressful.

The project also showed me where a concept like seam needs to remain flexible. While I created a structured therapeutic journey, testing highlighted the need for more therapist customization and more emotional guidance around the physical ritual. These are the areas I would take further with clinical testing and a more adaptable system.