Tessy Sara Thomas

I am an interaction designer with a branding and illustration background, aspiring to create impactful, human-centred solutions. My current major project with Accenture explores the formation of social connections among young adults in a world of virtual noise, through observation and relational design.

In a world with a looming threat of disconnection, I want to understand how and where design can be utilised to encourage stronger connections. Through the methods of research through design, observing people, and understanding their relationship to one another and their environments, I take a close look at social bonds—what creates them, what sustains them, and how we could reinstate those sparkling instances of truly connecting through research, insights and by asking important questions.

Whether it is strengthening the friendships we already have or creating new ties, could we use physical spaces, with the aid of technology, to facilitate instead of replace those relationships? Or could we create spaces for moments that would enable real instances of interaction that are rich, meaningful, and genuine outside of the virtual world?