Loop: Designing Interactive Systems for Emerging Adults and their Parents

Psychologists have codified a human developmental stage called “emerging adulthood.” During this transitional period, the relationship with one’s parents evolves. Communication channels open up and a deeper, richer relationship emerges. This thesis explores this familial relationship through a review of related literature, ethnographic research and the creation of possible design interventions. Using these explorations, this thesis also suggests a preferred future state through a design for an interactive system, Loop —a mobile application that allows for private, reciprocal sharing through text, image, and video.