FORM THEORYCuddle Buddies
Because Every Child Deserves a Buddie
BRIEF
As a team of designers, create an experience, object, or environment that supports the development of children with autism. Through research and ideation, design and produce a physical prototype. The project will include a case study outlining the design process, from concept to final product, emphasizing how the design aids children with autism in their development.
BRAND STORY
Cuddle Buddies is an emotional support brand designed to provide comfort, support, and sensory stimulation for children with autism. Our mission is to offer effective self-soothing tools that help children manage emotional and developmental needs at home or in learning environments.
Created with children in mind, especially those with level 2 autism, the most common form, we focused on building a brand that feels playful, calming, and comforting. Recognizing the diverse preferences and needs of each child, Cuddle Buddies offers fully customizable options, allowing parents and guardians to choose the best fit for their child’s unique needs.
PROJECT TYPE
Website Design, Branding Identity, UI/UX, Product Design, Mockups, Case Study,
Final Presentation
ROLE
Website designer, Research, Ideation, Production
TOOLS
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, Figma, Sewing Machine
DELIVERABLES
Product Branding Identity, Website, Case Study, Product
COLLABORATION
Diane Lee, Molly Loftis, Anh Nguyen, and Allyson Hernandez
EXTERNAL DELIVERABLES
Case Study
MADE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.
PHILOSOPHY
Design should be well-crafted with intentionality and the needs of the user at the forefront. Along with creating items of high quality, they should in tandem be easy to replicate in a mass production setting to reach the highest amount of users. The overall product should accomplish the needs of the intended audience while creating an empowering sense of self to comfort its users.
INFLUENCES
Charles Rennie Mackintosh, William Morris, Marcel Breuer, and Eero Saarinene.
SPONSORSHIPS AND POP-UP EVENTS
Cuddle Buddies is sponsored by 3 autism awareness organizations. In collaboration between Cuddle Buddies and The Autism Foundation, events will be held at various venues by The Autism Foundation with different learning opportunities and products for Autistic children. Having a pop-up tent allows for Cuddle Buddies to reach more people who may not have access to our product in the online capacity.
OUTCOME + TAKEAWAY
Our group focused on creating something that would truly impact its target audience. Through extensive research, I discovered that I thrive when designing solutions for those in need. While past projects have mainly focused on the visual aspects of branding, this project allowed us to explore deeper, more meaningful ways to help children with autism. The feedback from classmates showed that they also benefited from the Cuddle Buddie. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of design and how it can make a real difference in people’s lives.