Papillon
Project Type
Capstone Project, User Experience, User Interaction, User Research, Branding, Packaging Design
Tools
Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom
Client
Sunlife Financial
Timeframe
January 2024 - April 2024
Objective
To bridge the gender gap in women's mental health by aiming to create an impactful solution through innovative approaches, strategic insights, and backed up by the necessary research.
Problem
Approximately 3.7% of Canadian women aged 25-44 suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Balancing work and home life heightens anxiety and isolation for many women, especially in a post-Covid society with increased remote work.
Solution
To differentiate from other groups, Our solution was designed to go beyond a solely app-based approach. Instead, a combined physical experience and digital application was developed to more effectively address social anxiety in working women aged 25 to 44.
Papillon is a transformative approach that combines the power of art therapy and community connections through a creative activity subscription box and mobile application to alleviate symptoms of social anxiety disorder.
Break out from your cocoon,
flutter away from social anxiety.
What is
Papillon?
Papillon is a two-part product. The first of which being a monthly artistic activity subscription box, which is purchased directly through the app.
The second is a free to download application that optimizes the Papillon experience as it facilitates conversation and overall socialization.
When users receive their monthly subscription, they complete the activity of the month related to an art form of the users' choice (ex. pottery, painting, bracelet-making, etc.).
On the inside of the lid of the box, users will find a QR code which gives them access to the community group aka Kaleidoscopes that is linked to the users' activity of the month. Conversations are facilitated on public posts and direct messaging and prompts related to that month's activity.
Talking about the activity as a conversation started helps guide socializing and thus relieve socially anxious tendencies. Encouraging progress is done with a rewards systems where users earn points from conversing with others which they can redeem for free boxes or exclusive merch/deals.
User
Research
Literature Reviews
-
In a study of 3061 socially anxious respondents from the total sample, 39.6% were male and 60.4% were female
-
Social isolation appears to be a substantial source of morbidity among those with social anxiety disorder
-
Health issues in those with social anxiety disorder are partly due to isolation, whether self-imposed or environmental (remote jobs or personal lifestyle)
-
Art therapy and interactive workshops were effective in dealing with social and generalized anxiety
Qualitative Research
-
Interviews, journey mapping, focus groups, and content analysis
-
Key Insights:
-
Covid and remote work environments were a big factor in feelings of isolation and the development of social anxiety
-
Women felt safer in their homes
-
Most women enjoy creative activities
-
Younger working women feel most socially anxious because of social media and an increased remote school and work
-
High functioning women feel fear of socializing
-
Working moms cannot successfully balance home and work life and so their social lives suffer as a result
-
User
Personas
Empathy Mapping
01
Art Therapy through a creative subscription box workshops
02
Community building mobile application for socialization
03
Gamification to keep users encouraged in their journey
04
An aesthetic and inviting experience all around
05
24/7 support, licensed professional approved, and moderated
Solution & Main Features
Solution
Papillon is a transformative approach that combes the power of art therapy and community connections through a creative activity subscription box and mobile application to alleviate symptoms of social anxiety disorder.
"Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, it's time to spread your wings and thrive."
High
Fidelity
Prototype
Process
Although originally intending to sculpt the figures by hand, I transitioned into 3D modeling to achieve cleaner results and explore new digital techniques. The final models were printed using resin printers, then hand-painted and sealed for a polished finish. I also designed the packaging to reflect elements of the Filipino flag, adding another layer of cultural storytelling to the unboxing experience.
Timeline
This project was developed and completed within a tight three-week timeframe. It challenged me to push my creative boundaries—from conceptualization and sculpting to design and production. Despite the time constraints, the process was incredibly rewarding and has sparked a deeper interest in character and toy design.
Reflection
This collection represents more than just a school project—it’s a celebration of identity, design, and storytelling. I'm proud to have created something that brings joy while honoring my heritage, and I look forward to further exploring the intersection of culture and design in future work.
Contact
Location
Toronto, Canada
Follow
© 2025 by Jaimie Gonzalvo
© 2025 by Jaimie Gonzalvo