Addressing Divorce Through Design Research. A Case Study
Will design come together to resolve fights between a couple? Let me take you through my research journey and delve into the essence of human connection and the intricacies of marriage, ultimately crafting a solution aimed at strengthening and preserving relationships.
Why a topic such as this? Unraveling the Hidden Causes
There have always been issues in human relationships, even those as delicate and intricate as marriages. Such a complicated tangle is created when a relationship breaks down like that. Over time, the number of divorces has been steadily rising despite the fact that marriage is now more about finding love and companionship than it was about forging alliances and passing down dynasties. How could anything be so commonplace? What must be the underlying reason?
The Design Process from Research to Solution
Research Exploration: From Love to Conflict
The research then narrowed its focus to conflicts within marriages, particularly between male and female partners. This included an exploration of the history and concept of marriage, tracing how it has transformed over time.
As the study progressed, the research homed in on the reasons for conflict, with particular attention to emotional intelligence, anger, and the physiological effects of anger on the human body. This comprehensive analysis revealed a common thread: the lack of emotional intelligence was a critical factor contributing to marital discord and, ultimately, divorce.
Problem Statement: The Root Cause
The culmination of this exploratory phase led to the formulation of a clear problem statement:
“Due to low emotional intelligence and an inability to communicate effectively, couples tend to build conflict, which can result in the breakdown of the relationship.”
This statement encapsulated the primary challenge that needed to be addressed to help reduce the incidence of divorce.
Market Study and Existing Solutions
To ensure the proposed solution was both relevant and effective, a thorough market study was conducted, examining existing solutions aimed at improving relationships. This research highlighted a gap in the market — while many tools and programs focus on communication skills or conflict resolution, few directly address the underlying issue of emotional intelligence. By analyzing these existing approaches and their limitations, I was able to identify opportunities for innovation, leading to the creation of a solution that addresses emotional intelligence.
Primary Research: Understanding the Needs
With the core issue identified, the next step involved market research and a deeper understanding of the target audience. Primary research, including surveys and interviews, was conducted to gather insights into the needs and expectations of various groups affected by relationship conflicts. This research helped narrow down the target audience.
Proposed Framework: Emotional Intelligence as the Solution
Building on the insights gained, a framework was proposed that positioned emotional intelligence as the cornerstone of successful relationships. The theory posited that every action, particularly routine tasks within a relationship, is deeply rooted in emotional intelligence skills. By understanding and cultivating these skills — empathy, emotion comprehension, effective communication, relationship management, and self-awareness — individuals could transform their relationships.
The framework suggests that routine interactions should be viewed not merely as exchanges but as opportunities to strengthen emotional bonds. Developing and applying emotional intelligence skills can lead to more profound and fulfilling connections, ultimately improving the quality of relationships.
Conceptualization and Implementation
Following the theoretical groundwork, the research moved into the conceptualization and implementation phase. This involved several key steps:
- Requirement Listing: Identifying the essential features and requirements for a solution aimed at enhancing emotional intelligence within relationships.
- Brainstorming: Generating ideas and approaches to address the problem effectively.
- Matrix Table: Evaluating various concepts and strategies against key criteria to determine the most effective solutions.
- Concept Selection: Narrowing down the ideas to the most promising ones for further development.
- Ideation: Refining the chosen concepts to create a cohesive strategy.
- Branding: Developing a brand identity that aligns with the solution’s goals and resonates with the target audience.
- Information Architecture: Structuring the information and content to ensure a seamless and intuitive user experience.
- Low-Fidelity Wireframes: Creating basic wireframes to outline the user interface and functionality.
- High-Fidelity Wireframes: Developing detailed wireframes that incorporate design elements and interactivity.
- Prototyping: Building a prototype to test and refine the solution.
- Mockups: Creating high-quality visual representations of the final product.
The Conceptualisation and Implementation :
The Final High-Fidelity Prototype Screens of the App :
A Summary : A Path to Stronger Relationships
The research journey, from identifying the problem of divorce escalation to proposing a solution grounded in emotional intelligence, underscores the importance of understanding and nurturing the emotional aspects of relationships. By equipping individuals with the tools to enhance their emotional intelligence, this framework offers a pathway to stronger, more resilient relationships that can withstand the challenges of modern life.
This case study illustrates the power of comprehensive research and thoughtful design in addressing one of the most pressing issues in human relationships today. Through the proposed framework, there is hope for transforming the way we approach marriage and relationships, fostering deeper connections and long-lasting bonds.
Conclusion : From Research to Recognition
The culmination of this extensive research journey not only led to the development of a groundbreaking solution but also garnered academic recognition. This work was transformed into a research paper, which was presented at a prestigious conference held at Cambridge University, UK, where it received a certification of appreciation. Today, I am proud to share that this design research has been published, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing exploration of emotional intelligence and its impact on relationships. This publication stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful research and innovation in addressing complex human issues.
Paper : Exploring Emotional Intelligence and Human Connection
Thank you so much for reading :)