This project was an experimentation of thought and personal values. By asking the question “how can we design empathy?”, the solution would be found through a medium that allowed people to share a feeling with one another.

A puzzle became the main signifier of the project, each piece containing a universal human experience typed within them. Participants were asked to pick and place a puzzle piece that resonated with them — allowing participants to realize that despite race, color, or creed, we can all relate to these similar experiences.

During the course of this project I communicated with vendors and worked with new materials such as acrylic plastics, pulp board, and vinyl. I learned to use a CNC laser cutter for etching and cutting and experimented with different adhesives to build the base of the puzzle.