Project Overview
For my final BFA design intervention, I developed Safe T.R.I.P. (Therapy Research in Psychedelics), a conceptual traveling exhibition designed to create an open, welcoming environment for conversations around mental health and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The project explored how design, art, and storytelling could help reduce stigma and encourage thoughtful dialogue about emerging therapeutic practices.
For my final BFA design intervention, I developed Safe T.R.I.P. (Therapy Research in Psychedelics), a conceptual traveling exhibition designed to create an open, welcoming environment for conversations around mental health and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The project explored how design, art, and storytelling could help reduce stigma and encourage thoughtful dialogue about emerging therapeutic practices.
Concept
Mental health conversations are often surrounded by stigma, and discussions about psychedelic-assisted therapy can feel even more inaccessible or misunderstood. Safe T.R.I.P. was imagined as a supportive, immersive space where visitors could learn about the history and research behind psychedelic therapy while engaging with art and personal stories. The goal was to create a setting that felt curious and exploratory rather than clinical or intimidating.
Mental health conversations are often surrounded by stigma, and discussions about psychedelic-assisted therapy can feel even more inaccessible or misunderstood. Safe T.R.I.P. was imagined as a supportive, immersive space where visitors could learn about the history and research behind psychedelic therapy while engaging with art and personal stories. The goal was to create a setting that felt curious and exploratory rather than clinical or intimidating.
Design Approach
The exhibition concept combined curated artwork, comfortable gathering spaces, and immersive visuals designed to encourage reflection and conversation. Soft lighting, playful psychedelic-inspired graphics, and layered visual storytelling created an environment that felt welcoming and contemplative. To extend the experience beyond the physical installation, I also designed a companion Instagram platform where individuals could share personal experiences, artwork, and educational content related to mental health and psychedelic research.
The exhibition concept combined curated artwork, comfortable gathering spaces, and immersive visuals designed to encourage reflection and conversation. Soft lighting, playful psychedelic-inspired graphics, and layered visual storytelling created an environment that felt welcoming and contemplative. To extend the experience beyond the physical installation, I also designed a companion Instagram platform where individuals could share personal experiences, artwork, and educational content related to mental health and psychedelic research.
As part of the project, I built a virtual mockup of the exhibition using a Panoform VR application, allowing viewers to explore the space digitally and experience the intended atmosphere of the installation.
Outcome
Safe T.R.I.P. became an exploration of how design can facilitate meaningful conversations about complex social topics. The project pushed me to work beyond traditional graphic design deliverables by developing a spatial experience, digital platform, and immersive narrative. Through this work, I explored the role of design in promoting empathy, awareness, and open dialogue around mental health.
Safe T.R.I.P. became an exploration of how design can facilitate meaningful conversations about complex social topics. The project pushed me to work beyond traditional graphic design deliverables by developing a spatial experience, digital platform, and immersive narrative. Through this work, I explored the role of design in promoting empathy, awareness, and open dialogue around mental health.
Reflection
This project challenged me to step beyond traditional graphic design by conceptualizing a physical exhibition space and immersive experience. Through the process, I explored the history of psychedelics, current research around psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and the broader cultural conversations surrounding mental health. Using the Panoform VR platform to prototype the environment pushed me to think spatially and experiment with design systems and structures I hadn’t previously explored.
This project challenged me to step beyond traditional graphic design by conceptualizing a physical exhibition space and immersive experience. Through the process, I explored the history of psychedelics, current research around psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and the broader cultural conversations surrounding mental health. Using the Panoform VR platform to prototype the environment pushed me to think spatially and experiment with design systems and structures I hadn’t previously explored.
Safe T.R.I.P. ultimately became an opportunity to combine design, storytelling, and research to spark dialogue around mental health and emerging therapeutic approaches. My hope is that work like this can encourage open conversations, reduce stigma, and help people feel more comfortable discussing their experiences and supporting one another. Design has the power to create spaces—both physical and digital—where meaningful conversations begin, and this project was an exploration of how those spaces might look and feel.
