The Whispering World
Sirong Zheng
This portable card system reimagines traditional sandplay therapy, transforming it into a spatially efficient and accessible tool that eliminates the need for large setups and professional facilitation. By compressing three-dimensional sandplay elements into two-dimensional cards, the design retains symbolic depth while making psychological exploration simpler. The dual-sided card format fosters a layered discovery process, allowing users to engage both intuitively and analytically. This gradual release prevents overwhelming interpretation, ensuring a smooth, guided exploration.
Rooted in Jungian projection theory, the design employs archetypal symbols, narrative imagery, and structured prompts to stimulate subconscious associations. The eight-dimensional archetypal matrix, covering categories such as animals, nature, objects, and human figures, provides a structured framework for psychological mapping. This allows users to project emotions and experiences onto the cards, translating abstract thoughts into tangible representations.
The system emphasizes clarity, accessibility, and engagement. Semi-abstract illustrations balance universality and personal interpretation, ensuring the symbols resonate across cultural and psychological contexts. Typography and iconography are crafted for readability and symbolic coherence, allowing users of all backgrounds to engage. Whether used for self-reflection, therapy, or education, this system bridges psychology and design, providing an innovative and inclusive approach to emotional exploration and storytelling.