Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Communication Design
Department
Art
Committee Chair
Jamie Runnells
Exhibition Date
4-8-2025
Description
View the Digital Exhibition of Legends of Harmonia
Society is more connected than ever—yet somehow, we are quietly drifting apart. The constant hum of technology surrounds us, but the simple moments that bring us together are becoming harder to hold onto. As digital interactions replace face-to-face connections, empathy becomes more challenging to show—and even harder to feel. That being said, empathy remains the foundation of emotional understanding and human connection, both vital in a world that often feels emotionally distant, where rising loneliness, heightened anxiety, and emotional disconnection have become widespread. This paper proposes a tabletop game to help parents and caretakers nurture their children’s empathy while building a closer family bond. The game, Legends of Harmonia, is rooted in Self-Determination Theory, which identifies three essential psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Of these, relatedness—the need to feel connected to others—is increasingly under strain. Legends of Harmonia attempts to offer a possible way forward, drawing players together through shared experiences and simple moments, fostering empathy that builds stronger communities.
Legends of Harmonia is a whimsical, collaborative, story-based game blending these theoretical insights into role-playing scenarios packed with imaginative storytelling and interactive problem-solving. It is a game where children and their parents can work together to navigate emotional dilemmas and practice responses in a safe space. The game encourages empathy by creating teachable moments for parents to help their children understand others and their emotions and grow together. Guiding future generations toward deeper human understanding, connection, and care, this research contributes to creating a more empathetic and interconnected society.