I plan to utilize graphic design by creating activities that will generate a sense of wonder and moderate the stress of children living in the United States who are planning to or have already moved to a new home.

Children within the United States experience high levels of stress when moving. They tend to suffer from a sense of loss of belonging as well as a loss of place and often have difficulty adjusting to their new surroundings. Currently, there are many tangible products plus digital applications that can facilitate adults through the move both in the physical and emotional sense. However, fewer things exist for children to help with this transition. Often, in children, there is a sense of loss and emotional turmoil that accompanies this move. But what if this experience becomes an adventure, one in which kids become excited about the move through the use of an app and other deliverables that encourage the child to safely explore their new environment.

My thesis will focus on children between the ages of 5-9 years old, as well as their parents, and will feature three main deliverables:

DELIVERABLE 1: A multi-sectioned book will be available, complete with a marker set and craft supplies for interaction which will enable a child to record their experience and help to alleviate their stress. By altering their focus from what they left behind, the child can now concentrate on the positives that lie ahead.

DELIVERABLE 2: Onward is a mobile app that helps kids 5–9 and families turn moving into a fun adventure. Kids explore local parks, ice cream shops, and more to earn badges, unlock rewards like stickers or pencils, and share family moments. With a playful design and parent-guided safety, it builds excitement and connection in every new home.

DELIVERABLE 3: Onward’s Instagram campaign @Onward_adventure) turns moving into a fun quest for kids 5–9. Reels, carousels, and #OnwardAdventure challenges showcase families earning badges at parks and ice cream spots, sharing photos for rewards like stickers. Playful coral-teal visuals, parent tips, and geo-targeted ads drive downloads and community engagement.

The following are my Thesis objectives:

• make children see this move as a new adventure

• help children digitally connect to the new location

• help children deal with leaving their former home

• help children to help their parents with the move

• help children store happy memories and other mementos from their previous home