Design Challenge
#3: How might we learn from COVID-19 to reimagine our future for life, work, learning and play?
Project Description
Pyxis-14 is a bilingual resource kit for sense-making, navigation and self-care during uncertain times, presented in the form of a subscription box. The ‘14’ is derived from it being a care package that contains fourteen curated pieces of content (e.g. exercises, activities) and products (from small local businesses) that takes the user on a journey to establish a new way of living that works for them over the course of two weeks.
The box can be gifted to loved ones as a care package during times of distancing, or as a self-care resource for oneself while also supporting small local businesses in these dire times.
Pyxis is named after the constellation Pyxis Nautica, the mariner’s compass. The name is chosen to represent the spirit of resilience in navigating stormy seas, and charting cou..
Criteria #1: Value
The pandemic and ensuing measures have resulted in negative impact on the individual and the society emotionally, socially and economically. The project’s value lies in creating a virtuous cycle via:
– Helping people navigate their fear and anxiety through activities that establish healthy new norms and process difficult emotions
– Providing an avenue for people to show care by sending a meaningful care package; cultivating togetherness through a shared experience of the box’ contents
– Provide people a way to contribute by supporting small local businesses, while contextualizing the products/services of said businesses to be meaningful and relevant to current needs
Criteria #2: Inspiration
How can we create abundance during a time of scarcity?
In this case, the scarcity of certainty, economic activity, and physical-social freedom.
All around Singapore, people are finding new ways to connect and support each other, from Facebook pages for ‘lobang’, to check-in calls and sending care packages. While seeking for a new norm, Singaporeans are also yearning to contribute to this fight against the pandemic. So we thought, what if we could curate these existing resources and marry them with this drive for action to create a compass, a solution, that empowers people to support themselves and others?
Criteria #3: Impact
A recent Straits Times suggested that we may need to expect repeated circuit breakers and continued distancing measures. The box thus:
– Helps people check-in and update their routines and norms with every new phase of measures
– Acts as a physical and emotional anchor for transition between CB/other distancing phases
– Is a bright spot during difficult times and something to look forward to, as contents of the box can be easily updated for each iteration
– Transforms purchases into a meaningful one, that supports homegrown brands and businesses while, and also a way to reach out and show care for loved ones
Criteria #4: Timeliness
The beauty of Pyxis-14 is that all the pieces are already there. It is a matter of bringing everything together.
– Get first round of partners onboard, contextualize their content/product + box designs confirmed
[5 weeks]
– Arrange for logistics (packing) and delivery team [3 weeks]
– Launch campaign for orders [2-3weeks, depending on response]
– Making boxes to order [2 weeks]
– Fulfil and dispatch first batch of orders [1-2 weeks, depending on volume]
Criteria #5: Systems Thinking
The project leverages on many existing infrastructure and habits currently in place:
[Infrastructure]
– A existing and robust delivery and postal service
– High mobile penetration rate and access to internet
– Access to delivery at QO facilities and for people under LOA and SHN
– Media channels (e.g. TogetherSG telegram channel, FB groups) featuring ideas, services and meaningful content
[Habits/culture]
– Many businesses are already offering care packages and takeaway options; there is existing stock
– Online shopping is the preferred norm for many
– There is an existing culture of sending care packages and food delivery to friends and family
