Huddle

Role: Independent Manager and Designer

LEARNING, Design, and technology master's project

ABSTRACT

Huddle cultivates supportive college communities by empowering college freshmen to navigate difficult conversations about mental health with their peers.

College freshmen typically turn to a peer before a professional when dealing with a mental health problem, but peers are often insufficiently prepared to respond effectively. Huddle is a platform for undergraduates to work with their dorm-mates to develop a supportive community through a 3-step approach: 1) identifying signs of depression and suicidal ideation, 2) reacting to cues to appropriately support another student, and 3) navigating a peer-to-peer conversation as a medium of support. If students can practice these skills in a safe, low-consequence environment, they will be better prepared to support each other throughout their college experiences.