Living My
Best Life
Gifting Program
No matter the odds, children from adverse backgrounds can live their best life with an optimistic perspective and outcome, guided by positive reinforcement.
Thesis Project by Jessica Gilmore
PROBLEM
Children from negligent and abusive homes tend to repeat the negative pattern they have experienced throughout their life; it is important for them to receive positive reinforcement to learn and understand a better path to equip them with a positive outlook which will inevitably encourage better and more positive choices.
RESEARCH
There are long-term effects that can occur with children from adverse backgrounds. Studies have shown that childhood trauma introduced from abuse and neglect can cause mental disorders, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, sexual misconduct, self-directed violence, increased risk of major health problems, mood disturbances, sexual disorientation and decreased brain development. These are problems that effect victims from their youth into their adult lives. It not only impacts the victims but it also greatly disturbs society as a whole.
Positive reinforcement can be established through creative activities and products that aid in the rehabilitation of childhood trauma. Art therapy is a method that can assist in developing self-awareness, coping skills, and encourage heightened self-esteem. It can be used to reduce anxiety, depression and traumatic stress symptoms. Creative strategy with reward and gift incentives is also a prosperous approach to correct behavioral disruption in children. Giving to children provides a symbol of love and generosity that will influence the recipients to demonstrate the same act towards others in return. Even something as simple as uplifting words of encouragement can energize a child to be invested in and achieve in areas that they once struggled to accomplish.
There are programs that exist to help parents, educators, therapists and society improve the lives of children that have been victims of abuse and neglect. There are also tools and incentives that aid in the rehabilitation process. Gifting type programs that exist help provide aid for the needs of these children but they are typically limited to what is provided and for how long it can be received. Continuous positive intervention plays a vital role in rehabilitation for these kids from adverse backgrounds. Research has proven that simple activities, rewards, acts of kindness and words of affirmation can play a pivotal part in their recovery to a more positive state of being and perspective to a better life.
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Full Thesis Document
SOLUTION
The Living My Best Life gifting program is designed to provide a residual source of positive influence for children that have experienced adverse circumstances. It will be a program that children can register to receive through an app that is designed to record and track their personal interests. It would be a secure system that is provided through a government funded program so it can follow the child wherever they may move throughout their childhood. They would receive monthly, bimonthly or quarterly gifts based on their personal preferences, age, and gender. Products that would be created for this program would include but not be limited to, positive games, activities, birthday cards, prizes, books, and apparel tailored to promote confidence, perseverance, and healthy choices throughout their life. The full visual solution in this program would include an app, gift packaging, and product designs.
Brand & App
The name and brand for Living My Best Life (LMBL) was inspired by children in the way that they communicate, create and enjoy life. LMBL is initialism commonly used by adolescents that expresses living a good life and it represents the objectives for children to embody who are a part of the LMBL program. The freehand illustration style and hand drawn lettering that is implemented throughout the brand is symbolic of what is found in doodles and artwork that children often create. Fonts, illustrations, colors, word phrases, and photography used in the brand have the common goal to promote positive influence, be easily understood and provide relatable content for a young audience.
The LMBL mobile app will be used to create personal profiles, for social networking and engage in games and activities. Profile details can be used to customize gifts more closely to the interests of each child to make the LMBL program more successful. The app will protect their personal identity but it will allow them to build their own avatar, add their own interests, connect with peers, play games, and set goals in a virtual environment.
PACKAGING
LMBL packaging is designed to be exciting and make each child recipient feel important. The designs are different hues based on each child's favorite color(s). The messaging includes phrases that are directed towards the child, letting them know the package is for them and that they are special. For example, the smiling emoji will have a word cloud that says, “I’m so happy to see you!” The LMBL mailed deliveries will stand out from the crowd and achieve the goal of bringing excitement to each child.
Gifts
A select few product examples have been created for the LMBL gifting program concept. These are directed towards children ages 5-18. If this program were to be fully developed and implemented, then there would be products for children of all ages. The products that have been developed are a birthday greeting card, stickers, a t-shirt, poster, journal, activity sheet and game craft.
Birthday Greeting Card
LMBL will send birthday cards out to every child on their special day. A written note will be included by an adult counselor assigned to each child through the LMBL program to add an extra special touch. The greeting cards could include stickers and a gift card to get a free ice cream or sweet treat for the child’s birthday.
Stickers
A fun new sticker will be included in every package that the children receive from LMBL. The stickers can be collected, shared with friends, placed in the pages of their journals or placed in other areas that they want to decorate. Each sticker will include the LMBL emojis, words, or phrases to continue the overall fun filled, happy and motivational message. Aromas could be added to stickers like a cake scent for the birthday cake sticker.
T-shirt & Poster
Clothing can help support the unique individuality of a child and it can also boost self-esteem. A tshirt with positive messaging can encourage and influence the child to embody the words they are wearing. The message can also positively impact the people in the environment that the child is in. The wearer will be empowered and treated in a more favorable manor.
The poster design includes positive messaging as well. It is created to be displayed in the child's room to serve as a daily reminder. Encouraging words can be very influential and convincing. This gift will also help the LMBL member embody the powerful words.
Journal & Activity Sheet
A journal can be a significant tool to get children to express themselves through words with how they are feeling, record memories, and document goals. An activity journal concept was created to encourage children to have more fun in the journalling process. Activities help reduce anxiety, promote concentration and can increase cognitive function.
Game Craft
The foosball game craft is designed to encourage innovation, the ability to follow instructions, teamwork and activity. Although there are structured guidelines on how to build and play the game, kids will also have the opportunity to customize features within the game. They can color the team players, decorate the box and create their own game rules. Once they have finished building the box they can play with a family member or friend for additional fun.