Promotional Video
PROJECT background
Children and teenagers of Gen Z are avid users of digital technology in comparison to previous generations. The reason behind this is because technological advancements and the rise of digital technology have led to a proliferation in the adoption of such technologies into our daily lives. As a consequence, the attention directed towards the effects of the use of these technologies and how they impact children and teenage lifestyles with regards to mental health, socio-emotional, cognitive and physical development has increased too.
Every aspect of society has completely changed with the advent of technology. From the way we operate to the way we socialise daily, one of the most noticeable differences as a consequence of the adoption of technology is a shift in how children and teenagers interact with one another in comparison to previous generations. Technology, with the praise it deserves, does provide many advantages for learning while also providing disadvantages towards child and teenage development, as well as the quality of life. Studies have shown that children and teenagers today do not get as much exercise as they used to. This is because digital entertainment devices encourage them to be stationary and inactive when they get home from school, as opposed to going outside and being at leisure with other children and teenagers. Consequently, child obesity rates have risen dramatically. In 2012 for example, the rate was measured at 18% compared to 7% in 1980. Many children and teenagers do not experience the advantages of spending time outdoors as they confine themselves to digital technology for entertainment purposes.
Recent studies have shown that digital screens from devices such as tablets, smartphones and televisions emit a harmful blue light that can cause headaches, eye strain and irritated eyes for children. Furthermore, sleep is also disturbed by a harmful blue light when children and teenagers are exposed to digital screens in the evening due to the suppression of the hormone melatonin which regulates the sleep-wake cycle. This makes it increasingly difficult for their bodies to effectively prepare for a ‘good night's sleep’. Digital technology also has profound impacts on the way children and teenagers think and feel. Since digital technology is full of stimuli and often requires paying attention to many different things at once, children and teenagers who play video games or spend most of their time online tend to have less of an ability to focus than those who use technology minimally. It can also affect the way they process information. For example, studies suggest that when they are exposed to high levels of digital technology, they tend to think things through superficially and do not develop the ability to think critically or be creative when learning new concepts.
Digital technology has changed the way children and teenagers socialise and interact with others, which can have huge impacts on their mental and emotional well-being. It has now become common knowledge that high levels of social media use, in both children, teenagers and adults, can lower self-esteem and create negative moods. However, all types of technology can have negative effects on us when used in excess, because they reduce the frequency in which we interact with others. Specifically, within childhood and teenage development, excess use leads to a development in difficulty to pick up on social cues and development of meaningful relationships with people around them. This is something that can have negative consequences as they grow and develop because it can also create difficulty over time with regards to, developing emotions the same way other children and teenagers would if they spend too much time with digital technology and not enough time being engaged while in the presence of others.
WHAT IS BIG SISTER?
Big Sister is an automated cross-platform cloud-based smart-system (powered by AI) designed to monitor, manage and regulate both digital device usage and screen time consumption within households.
WHO IS BIG SISTER?
Big Sister is that person who cares about their younger siblings who have their best interests at heart and will do what they can to be there for them and look out for them. She is kind of like an au pair who is hired to help out parents with looking after their children because of their busy work schedules. Big Sister is that cliché person who would say, “I would stop a bullet for you.” Big Sister knows when and when not to intervene. She keeps a close eye on you without you knowing, the family spy of sorts.
Big Sister is that type of person who has “been there done that” and knows how to handle specific situations because she has struggled through that herself and has the experience. She had the same or similar bad habits and problems through her adolescent phase as children and teenagers do today. Simply put, Big Sister wants to make sure that children and teenagers today do not experience the same or similar problems and to prevent them from occurring.
Big Sister is that family member who nudges you to do the right thing instead of being told directly or forced to do something. Big Sister is not mom or dad shouting at you to do your homework or do your chores. Rather, Big Sister guides you and shows you the benefits of certain activities and habits. She is an inadvertent life coach that is the cure to the negative impacts of digital technology on childhood and teenage development through a digitally driven world.
CORPORATE IDENTITY
Logo
SOLVING THE PROBLEM
System Design - System Technology & Infrastructure
System Design - System Functionality & Operation
Mobile App UI
UI Elements & Features
website
Summary
I believe that through this design project, I have been able to apply my creative and critical problem-solving capabilities in a bigger context to design and develop an innovative, sustainable, responsible and technically sound solution that solves a global problem. The solution that I have designed is unique and can be considered revolutionary in contrast to already existing and similar solutions. Although existing solutions aim to solve the same or similar problems that were highlighted in this project’s study, those solutions seem to have the same or similar approaches to solving the problem(s) through integrating the same conventional technologies. My innovation has exceeded that and explored the full potential of current technologies to create a solution grounded on the principles of automation through smart systems and harnessing the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence.
Parents should not have to use software that may be tedious and complex to figure out in order to maximise the functionality of a system offered by a product. They do not need the extra stress of having to learn and familiarise themselves with a new system to monitor and regulate their family’s digital ecosystem, the system should do all the work for them which is what automation does. The power of AI allows for that when its capabilities are maximised and pushed beyond conventional limits.
There is potential for this project in the real world, as a real solution. That is why I chose it for my Major. There is an opportunity for this project to expand and develop further to ensure sustainability in the market and to create real competition for competitors. I strongly believe that this innovative solution could be what pioneers the future of digital design for lifestyle management, health and well being, smart-home and digital ecosystem management in an ever-evolving digital world.
As I reflect on this year with regards to my studies and myself as a designer, this project has given me an invaluable opportunity to expand my knowledge, to hone in on my design skills, capacity and capabilities. I have also been able to personally grow and explore further as a young designer through this design project. This project has given me perspective about myself, to figure out where my real passions lie within the design industry and where I wish to specialise in the near future.
