30 days of ASD
Duration
3 months
Illustration
Autism Spectrum
Postcards
Mental Health
30 days of ASD explores the experiences of caregivers raising children on the autism spectrum through a series of 30 illustrated postcards. Inspired by in-depth interviews with parents, and special educators, each postcard features a word resonating with caregivers, accompanied by a definition that speaks to their unique journey, instead of the dictionary term.
Duration
3 months
Illustration
Autism Spectrum
Postcards
Mental Health
30 days of ASD explores the experiences of caregivers raising children on the autism spectrum through a series of 30 illustrated postcards. Inspired by in-depth interviews with parents, and special educators, each postcard features a word resonating with caregivers, accompanied by a definition that speaks to their unique journey, instead of the dictionary term.
The Brief
NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences) in Bangalore is India's leading center for mental health and neuroscience education. Our brief was to curate dynamic programming aimed at actively involving audiences with both the museum displays and the overarching theme of mental health and neuroscience education at the envisioned Museum at NIMHANS. I chose the topic of Autism Spectrum as a focal point to base my project around.
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Rejected Ideas
Introduction
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder, characterised by social communication & interaction difficulties, and, restricted & repetitive behaviour patterns, interests, or activities. ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. People with ASD have unique strengths and challenges, and early intervention and the proper support can help them reach their full potential.
The Postcards
Inspired by caregiver interviews, each postcard depicts a word the caregivers can resonate with, explained in a way that reflects their journey, not a dictionary definition. 30 Days of ASD stands for each day of April, which is Autism Awareness Month. The postcards are intentionally crafted to be kept as keepsakes rather than as functional postcards that can be posted to rebel against the idea of functionality.
The postcards depict concepts like "acceptance," "resilience," and "hope" in a way that empowers caregivers and celebrates the spectrum of neurodiversity. This flexible format allows the parents to create their own narrative, arranging and engaging with the postcards in a way that resonates with their personal experiences.
By offering an unconventional and celebratory perspective on ASD, this project hopes to foster understanding around ASD and be a tool for initiating conversations in the society.
Discovery Phase
The primary research involved interviews with parents, special educators, and people who closely work with children on the autism spectrum. It also included speaking to NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences) to understand what they are already doing in this field regarding providing resources and support to children on the sepctrum as well as their families/caregivers. These were the insights that I gathered through this process.
Focus Point
I chose my target audience as the caregivers of children who are on the autism spectrum. The reason for working with caregivers was simple for me: parents are the first and most important therapists of children, and empowering them would lead to their children having better lives. The next step was to find a creative and unconventional medium to empower parents in this journey, make them feel heard, and reassure them that a diagnosis is not the end of the world.
Feedback & Reception
This project is an ongoing exploration, with room for improvement. I view it as an iterative version or a stepping stone to something that can develop and adapt over time. One suggestion for improvement was including instructions or an explanation on the packaging to guide users upon receiving the postcards, which could be part of the second iteration.
The project's impact exceeded my expectations as it became a valuable tool for a parent to initiate conversations with their child at home. It was fascinating to see how people interacted with the cards in different ways. Some delved into the illustrations, seeking deeper meaning, while others enjoyed going through the creative definitions.
Brainstorm & Ideation
Finalising the outcome was a thought intense process that started off with listing down my core skills and interests. After discussing various ideas with my mentor and rejecting a bunch, my mentor left me with a thought provocative phrase—“every cup doesn’t need to be functional.” This took me on a journey of looking at dysfunctional daily items where I stumbled across the philosophy of absurdism, which struck a chord with my topic.
The Concept
Absurdism is a philosophical concept that explores the conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent meaning in life and the apparent lack of meaning in the universe. According to absurdism, life is inherently without meaning, but individuals can create their own meaning through their actions and choices. This philosophy suggests that the universe is indifferent to human existence, and it is up to individuals to find their own purpose and meaning in life.
In the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), absurdism can be a relevant framework for understanding societal perceptions and attitudes towards neurodiversity. Absurdism challenges the notion that individuals must be “useful” or conform to societal norms to have value. It encourages a more inclusive and accepting view of neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the importance of embracing differences and recognizing the inherent value of every individual, regardless of their perceived functionality or utility.
The Outcome
I wanted my outcome to be something tangible and emotionally impactful. A physical outcome seemed like the best way to resonate with my target audience: the parents, someone who did not grow up in a digital age. Secondly, I wanted the final form to tell a story. However, I wanted to challenge the norm of how we view or tell a story by breaking out of linear formats like books, zines, or accordions and creating something more interactive. This led me to think about having loose pages or cards that could be rearranged to form hundreds of different stories by changing their sequence.
Next Steps
For the next iteration, I'll be incorporating user suggestions by adding clearer instructions and including a short note inside the set to provide parents with context and the project's goals. I will also be making minor design updates to further enhance the user experience, and exploring sales channels to connect with the people who expressed interest in purchasing the set.