Design of a tool to support families in coping with loss
THE PROMPT CARDS
These prompt cards are designed for families navigating serious illness, offering a way to reflect, connect, and create lasting memories together. They provide gentle guidance for meaningful conversations between parents and children, helping them capture moments, thoughts, and emotions in a tangible way.
This set contains 16 cards covering four broad themes: everyday moments, reflections from the parent, shared memories, and messages for the future. Some prompts encourage families to reflect on daily life and small joys, while others offer space for deeper conversations and reflections. The future-focused cards allow parents to leave heartfelt messages for their child to discover on significant milestones—like their 18th birthday, graduation, or wedding—creating a lasting connection even if they may not be present.
Using the cards is simple—families can sit together, fill them in at their own pace, and let them spark open conversations. There’s no right or wrong way to use them; they are meant to create a space for sharing, reminiscing, and preserving memories in a way that feels natural.
By putting thoughts into words, these cards provide a simple yet powerful way for families to
share their stories, emotions, and hopes in a tangible, lasting way together.
About Swetha
I'm Swetha Krishnan, a recent graduate from TU Delft with a master’s in Integrated Product Design. As a designer I am about crafting experiences that spark curiosity, connection, and a little bit of wonder in the world. I love diving into abstract problem spaces full of potential. My strength lies in turning big ideas into tangible, playful solutions that make a real impact.
This project presented here is a result of my master’s thesis. My journey into this design is deeply personal—my father lost his mother at just 10 years old, and I’ve seen the lasting impact of childhood loss on him and his siblings, especially my uncle, who was only four at the time. This inspired me to explore how play canhelp children navigate grief, leading me to investigate its role in emotional healing.
Through design, I strive to craft experiences that foster learning, connection, and resilience across diverse contexts. I would love to connect and discuss my project with you. If you are interested in my work, please reach out at swethalkri@gmail.com or check out more of my work and this project in detail on my personal website www.swethakrishnan.com.