When confronted with a terminal illness,
how does your perception of yourself change?
how does your perception of yourself change?
Inward Bound
We often see how a terminal illness can irrevocably impact an individual's life, affecting everything from their lifestyle to their social roles. We've termed this change as an identity shift, which can oftentimes be distressing and isolating.
To aid these individuals in navigating identity shifts in early diagnosis, our goal is to help them redefine their life purpose via our proposed approach – an exclusive two-day retreat held in a calming space for newly diagnosed patients. This experience comprises of a reflection journal and a retreat programme conducted by recovered patients as facilitators and health counsellors. Following the programme, participants have the opportunity to return to the space, allowing them to socialize and establish a supportive community amongst themselves.
Research and Conversations
** The visuals in this section are merely a small snippet of the whole interview, research and synthesis process.
The Retreat Space
The retreat space offers a range of amenities, including a shared lounge, an outdoor area equipped with seating and a firepit, and private counselling spaces to support activities throughout the two days.
We believed it was important to create a space separate from healthcare-related environments, as such an anti-medical space serves as a conducive sanctuary for reflection and introspection. These spaces were visualised with the help of AI generative platforms such as Midjourney.
The Journal
Every participant will receive a journal to tide them through each day. This incorporates individual reflective exercises and
group discussions, which serve as tools to guide participants in exploring their identities and understanding how their illness
may impact them. Not only were prompts and questions crafted to help participants shift their attention from their disease to
their values and personhood, but they aimed to help participants understand that their core identity remains the same
despite the illness they are fighting.
group discussions, which serve as tools to guide participants in exploring their identities and understanding how their illness
may impact them. Not only were prompts and questions crafted to help participants shift their attention from their disease to
their values and personhood, but they aimed to help participants understand that their core identity remains the same
despite the illness they are fighting.
The Programme
Each day was carefully organized to coordinate between the retreat space and the journal, ensuring that participants could engage in introspective activities and discussion without them feeling too overwhelmed or uncomfortable. Below is a brief overview of where and when each activity takes place.
Facilitators are also provided with a programme guide to assist them in conducting discussions with patients throughout
the two-day retreat.
the two-day retreat.
User Testing and Future Developments
Additionally, we carried out user testing with one of our core interviewees from previous sessions, obtaining valuable insights for future improvements. A significant observation highlighted by our user was that, especially for someone diagnosed with a potentially terminal illness, their focus was primarily on survival and living in the present moment, rather than reflection and future planning. Given the opportunity for further development, we would incorporate more activities and experiences in the retreat space that emphasize living in the moment mindfully, including zen activities and facilities.
A Two-Day Retreat for Patients with Terminal Diseases to Unpack Identity Shifts.
Compassionate Creations Platform. 2023. Service Design.
In collaboration with Pearlyn Sing and Lumna Chitrakar.
Compassionate Creations Platform. 2023. Service Design.
In collaboration with Pearlyn Sing and Lumna Chitrakar.
