Suave

Diving into my master's thesis, I was driven to address a pressing issue close to my heart: burnout in the tech industry. I'll share how I tackled a crucial issue, my role in it all, the challenges faced, and the impact made.

Understanding the problem

Burnout is like a sneaky shadow that follows us around, especially in the fast-paced world of technology. I set out to create a solution that would give tech professionals like me the tools to conquer burnout and thrive in our careers.

My role

As a Service Designer on my thesis journey, I owned the entire design process from start to finish. I was responsible for conducting research (user interviews, gathering data insights), ideating, prototyping, testing, and a couple of extracurricular activities (SDC Design Competition and Speaking at Interaction23).

Process overview

Of course, I had a great advisor to collaborate with and access to professionals from multiple areas of expertise for additional guidance when needed.

Project's interesting bits

Research

To get to the heart of the matter, I dove headfirst into research mode. Through interviews, surveys, and deep data dives, I uncovered some eye-opening insights:

Tech folks often

Miss the early signs

of burnout, leading to prolonged periods of stress and exhaustion

Tech companies often

Lack support systems

leaving people feeling stranded for help with their mental health challenges

Tech professionals crave

Personal
support

a listening ear, some expert guidance, and tailored-made resources.

signs-post

Burnout signs

Tech folks often miss the early signs of burnout, leading to prolonged periods of stress and exhaustion

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Lack of support systems

Tech companies often lack support systems, leaving people feeling stranded for help with their mental health challenges

hand-holding-heart

Personal support

Tech professionals crave a listening ear, some expert guidance, and tailored-made resources

Ideating and prototyping

Armed with these insights, I got to work crafting a solution: Suave – a friendly, integrated service for workplaces designed to help manage burnout comprehensively company-wide, including an all-in-one platform that fits seamlessly into busy tech lives. Service Modules

stethoscope

Diagnostic

Deep dive into the company's current state, assessing everything from employee burnout levels to existing policies. It's the foundation for tailored solutions.

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Policy & Culture change

We're your partners in shaping a workplace where burnout is understood and prevented. From crafting new policies to fostering a supportive culture.

presentation

Training

We aim to create empowerment through knowledge through training programs to equip teams with the skills to tackle burnout from workload management to self-awareness.

laptop mobile

Platform

Suave’s platform has mobile and computer access, calendar integration, and project management tools, so burnout prevention is always within reach.

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Counselor

For personalised guidance and support, with tailored treatment plans and confidential support, they're here to help tech professionals thrive.

Platform

Check-In: a daily dose of self-care, prompting you to reflect on your well-being and take steps to nurture yourself.

Wellness Dashboard: tracking burnout levels, accessing helpful resources, and getting personalised tips to keep you on track

Counsellor Meetings: a safe space for confidential chats with trained professionals who owe their loyalty to you.

Share How You Feel: a virtual space where you can open up to your team and managers about your mental health.

Easy 1:1s: hassle-free scheduling for talks with your manager.

Ask Around: a safe zone where you can ask burning questions anonymously and get the support you need from your peers, creating a mentorship network.

Counsellor Meetings: a safe space for confidential chats with trained professionals who owe their loyalty to you.

Share How You Feel: a virtual space where you can open up to your team and managers about your mental health.

Easy 1:1s: hassle-free scheduling for talks with your manager.

Ask Around: a safe zone where you can ask burning questions anonymously and get the support you need from your peers, creating a mentorship network.

Project & Tasks: account for your burnout state in project tasks, honing ways to navigate difficult situations, and improve communication and negotiation skills.

Curios for more?

Project's Impact

The impact of this project extended far beyond academia, as evidenced by its recognition in the global design community:

I graduated top of my class as

Summa Cum Laude

Specialising in designing services to promote mental health in the workplace.

I used my knowledge to win the

SDC Global competition

Organised by IxDA. My solution was chosen from hundreds worldwide!

As a

Speaker at Interaction23

Conference I got to share my work, insights and solutions

From graduating top of my class to winning global competitions and sharing my work with the world, I'm on a mission to create healthier workplaces for all 🚀✨

Press & Media Coverage

IxDA Winner announcement

Interaction23 Conference: Our talk

Medium article SDC finalists

IxDA Costa Rica participation feauture
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