Graduate

Yuico Uchiyama

Project

Chroma

23/24

As mood is explained as waves in the clinical symptoms of mood disorders, our emotions are continuous waves that interact with various factors in our lives. While these indescribable waves of feelings play a significant role in our lives, we often misunderstand, underestimate, or hastily try to diagnose and dismiss these vulnerable feelings. How can we visualize these ups and downs and learn to live with them?

Starting with professional curiosity and an intriguing interview, this research project led to the development of a digital app system called Chroma. Chroma is a design solution that allows users to explore the spectrum of their moods through color shades and simple graphics. Based on evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) journaling methods, Chroma enables users to practice self-reflection through writing and the application of colors. By choosing different gradients, solid colors, or images, users can discover their unique shades of mood and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. The additional image creation system provides a broader perspective on how users visualize their moods.

My hope for this project is to help people accept and embrace their mood swings and feel proud of the complexity and vulnerability of their emotions. Our moods change, and they are an integral part of our lives.

Credits: Freepik, Adobe Stock Images, The Gender Spectrum Collection, Nappy