Cheap Therapy – Acknowledging that real therapy is expensive
Communication Design Project by:
Mariia Vlasina, Larissa Sophie Steinhauser, Klea Celmanaj
Advisors Concept & Prototyping:
Prof. Henrik Rieß, Felix Müller, M.A., Robin Woern, M.A.
Advisors Graphic Design
Prof. Alexander Tibus, Barbora Demovič, M.A.
Research Question:
How can Gen-Z's family problems be discussed in a playful manner?
'Cheap Therapy' tackles exhausting family visits - times filled with both love and unspoken tensions. This raised the question of how friends could discuss family issues in an entertaining way.
This sarcastic yet insightful card game encourages conversations about family dynamics without forcing them. It features increasingly difficult questions laced with Gen Z humor, memes, and irony. A companion app uses players' photos to create a tragically comical "perfect family" portrait.
By mixing fun with meaningful discussions, 'Cheap Therapy' transforms awkward conversations into bonding moments.
'Cheap Therapy' was exhibited at Berlin Design Week 2025.
See all ‘Punk & Participation’ Projects
See all ‘Punk & Participation’ Projects
Contact:
Prof. Henrik Rieß
Interaction Design and Visual Communication
Berlin International
University of Applied Sciences
Salzufer 6, 10587 Berlin, Germany
Tel: +49 30 81 05 80 80
E-Mail: riess[🎈]berlin-international.de
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