Critical design is something that heavily influenced my project even though I didn’t actually make use of it. It is a method that uses design to challenge its audience’s preconceptions and expectations, exploring ideas about society. I found it useful to look at examples that relate to the subject of my own project- fear and anxiety.

I came accross Brit Leissler who “addresses the alienating nature of modern urban life, her objects prompt the rediscovery of lost basic emotions.” One of her products is the Punch ‘n’ Cuddle bag, which is a life-sized piece of furniture to absorb emotions. The playful nature of this product appeals to me because it tries to overcome the serious nature of emotional distress. (From Book of 10, Platform 10, Design Products students at the RCA)

Another project from the RCA was by Daniel Goddemeyer who designed 'fear buddies.' They are small keyring type devices that anonymously track the number of people in your surrounding area with the same fear. They claim to give emotional support to someone by letting them know that they are not the only one a particular situation. This concept is similar to my own ideas about dealing with anxiety and fear.

To encompass all of the ideas that have arisen from my research I would have to employ critical design, so that an audience could relate more easily. I never intended to design a product that would overcome anxiety or fear but instead use research to make people more aware of it and consequently less of a social issue.