WITH(in) is a playful toolkit designed to help couples navigating chronic illness connect emotionally and communicate gently - without always needing to talk and centre around illness.
Intended to be distributed through the NHS during appointments and wellness meetings as part of long-term condition support.
Intended to be distributed through the NHS during appointments and wellness meetings as part of long-term condition support.
Date Night Reimagined; Embracing the Unpredictability of Chronic Illness
This project explores the often-overlooked emotional and relational impact of chronic illness on couples, particularly within long-term partnerships like marriage. Motivated by the statistic that 75% of marriages impacted by chronic illness end in divorce, the project aims to address the communication and emotional disconnect that can arise when relationships shift into a caregiving dynamic. Through co-design, interviews and iterative prototyping, the outcome is a playful, tactile toolkit designed for a date night setting - offering couples a gentle, creative way to connect, reflect and express emotion without relying solely on verbal communication. It emphasises the value of normalcy and feeling seen beyond illness, encouraging meaningful interaction through objects that feel warm, personal and imperfect.
