Design Capstone project 1

In today's rapidly evolving world, emerging technologies hold immense potential to positively impact various aspects of our lives. One area where these technologies can make a profound difference is mental health. As someone who has personally battled depression and experienced the transformative power of emerging technologies, I am passionate about utilizing these tools to help others facing similar challenges. Initially inspired by my own cultural background, I embarked on a research journey to explore how emerging technologies can support mental well-being among young Māori men. However, recognizing the importance of cultural understanding, I have decided to shift my focus towards Asian teenagers, particularly those from East Asian countries like China, Japan, and Korea. This blog post aims to shed light on my current project status and the reasons behind this crucial shift.

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1. Research Proposal Evolution:

I wrote my research proposal, titled 'Virtual Characters for Mental Well-being: Empowering Young Māori Men in Managing Depression through Emerging Technologies,' was conceived with the intention to address the mental health needs of young Māori men last semester. However, during the course of my research, I realized the significance of cultural sensitivity and deep understanding. As a non-Māori individual, it became apparent that my limited knowledge about Māori culture might hinder my ability to make a meaningful impact. Therefore, I made the decision to redirect my efforts toward a population closer to my own experiences, allowing for a more authentic and empathetic approach.

2. Personal Connection:

Being of Asian descent and having grown up in Shanghai before moving to New Zealand, I have encountered various mental health challenges firsthand. In my early teenage years, I faced a personal battle with depression, which provided me with unique insights into the struggles Asian teenagers may encounter. Drawing from my own experiences and ongoing engagement with mental health professionals, I possess a fundamental understanding of the underlying issues and needs of Asian teenagers facing depression.

3. Cultural Relevance:

By shifting my focus to Asian teenagers, specifically those from East Asian countries, I hope to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and mental health support within this demographic. East Asian cultures have their own set of societal pressures, educational demands, and stigmas surrounding mental health. By delving deeper into the specific challenges faced by these young individuals, I aim to develop innovative solutions tailored to their cultural context.

I will talk more about what types of tools I intend to use in my next post.

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Chatgpt4 has been used to format my words.