Seattle's Union Gospel Mission
Experience & Installation Design Direction
Seattle's Union Gospel Mission is a non-profit that works to provide rehabilitation, recovery, and aid to Seattle's homeless, with the goal of combatting the city's homelessness crisis. In 2019, in preparation for their annual fundraising event, they reached out for ideation on an interactive installation.
At the Thomas Collective, my team and I worked together to ideate different means of interaction that can best convey the story of several alumni of the Mission's program. We determined that a kiosk, approachable from 360º, would offer the opportunity for different interactive experiences.
Centered on shoes—the most requested resource at Seattle's homeless shelters—the installation included a shoe rack, a shelf of shoe box containers, and a map board.
Our team's intent was to invite patrons to investigate and engage with the kiosk's features, revealing stories and anecdotes from each respective alumnus. The shoe rack represented the three stages of the Mission's recovery program; the shoe boxes on display contained found objects and artifacts that represented pivotal moments from that respective alumnus's life.
The installation proved to be a success, and was received well at the Gala event. The installations provided an educating and moving experience for event-goers. and furthered the ongoing campaign for the Mission, Lost Angels.
Front view of the installed interactive kiosk at the 2019 Catalyst Gala.
One of the interactive features, a shoe box full of objects representing different stages in the SUGM Alumnus's life.
Another one of the interactive features, a shoe that represents one of the stages of the Alumnus's life.
A patron at the 2019 Catalyst Gala engages with one of the interactive kiosk on view.
Notes taken during the ideation process, conceptualizing the kiosk.
A mock up presenting the concept of the interactive kiosk, and its many features.
