ZTEA – Collectible Keychains for Body Dysmorphia, inspired by Star Constellations
Communication Design Project by:
Jaelynn Coraline Jurga, Patricia Peris, Rei Lupu, Van Nguyen, Luciana Ureta
Advisors Concept & Prototyping:
Prof. Henrik Rieß, Felix Müller, M.A.,
Advisors Graphic Design
Anc Ciechanowicz, M.A., Illia Boyko, B.A.
Research Question:
How can collectible toy design encourage self-reflection and address body-related insecurities in young adolescents?
Design Process // Character Designs + Packaging
'ZTEA' is a series of collectible keychain toys designed to address body dysmorphia and different forms of insecurity through indirect playful interaction.
Body dysmorphia often involves intimate and sensitive perceptions that are difficult to confront explicitly. This project investigates how playfulness and collectability can function as alternative mechanisms to encourage reflection and self-love without direct confrontation.
Each keychain is inspired by a star constellation and subtly represents a specific insecurity. These representations are intentionally non-notational: all characters are visually attractive and unique, avoiding hierarchy or stigmatization. A display in the plushy stars visualizes encounters within the community of users and supports emotional engagement.
In response to the rather serious topic, the project demonstrates that playfulness can operate as a sensitive and effective medium for addressing body-related insecurities through symbolic and accessible design.
'ZTEA' will exhibited at Berlin Design Week 2026.
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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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