Multi-model Experience for Hospitalized Children

This project was created in partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) to help improve the wellbeing of kids in the hospital, especially by addressing how hard it can be to feel "normal" while undergoing treatment. We focused on children between the ages of 5 and 13—a time when they're learning how to communicate, build relationships, and make sense of the world around them. Our goal was to support their emotional growth, sense of control, and cognitive development during their hospital stay.

Guided by principles from core affect theory and the positive experience framework, we designed a system that offers flexible ways to communicate, uses age-appropriate content, and reimagines hospital spaces to feel more like home or school. The main features include a kid-friendly podcast platform, interactive newsletters, and a community map that children can contribute to—all of which help them feel more connected, heard, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

Ultimately, we wanted to make the hospital experience less isolating and more uplifting—creating a space where kids feel engaged, supported, and in charge of their own stories.