From an Apathetic Society to an Empathetic Community

A social credit system existing in a hyperconnected but lonely future that aims to activate the general public to engage in community-building activities and empathetic practices.

Overview

Policy Horizons Canada aims to develop forward-looking policies and programs that are resilient in the face of impending disruptive changes. Their recent publication, "Canada's Social Futures," highlights 24 potential social changes that could impact Canada's approach to a range of social issues, spanning from shifts in national and personal values to the overhaul of existing social structures.

OUR TEAM

Jennifer An
Fife Ashley-Dejo
Olivia Press
Rachel Woo

MY ROLE

Service Design
Graphic Design
Videography
Video Editing

DURATION

4 months
Jan-April 2023

Our Change in the Social:

A Hyperconnected but Lonely Future

The increasing digitization of services, jobs, and social interactions over recent decades enables us to carry out our daily lives without needing to have a real, face-to-face interactions with another person. This emphasis on digital efficiency diminishes the interpersonal aspects of many relationships and the genuine connections between people.

the problem

In a world where everything is digitized and focused on efficiency, we are taken away from interpersonal aspects of many relationships and interactions that are often necessary to increase social skills. This decline in relational abilities within a generation or society may lead to mental health issues, job deterioration, and a disconnect among individuals. Online communication lacks the personal touch, facilitating a distancing between people. While online communities offer opportunities for bonding, they also enable easy criticism and verbal abuse, often shielded by anonymity.

our mission

Activating the general public within their respective communities

Ideation

our decision

With our initial concept being centred around activating isolated communities and bringing them together with vacant spaces and augmented reality (AR), we similarly approached this change in the social with wanting to transform superficial and distant relationships among the community into a sense of belonging and connection.

our solution:
Social Credit Card

The social credit service incentivizes individuals to engage in community-building activities and empathetic practices through workshops and social services. This program activates the general public, particularly aiding low-income and vulnerable groups within their communities. Individuals earning less than $50,000 annually can use social credits to access essential needs like health, food, and shelter, with a significant discount applied upon use. For higher-income households, participation in skills development and volunteering earns social credit points, which can be redeemed for tax deductions.

reimagining currency to
activate social connection

The Social Credit card reimagines currency as we know it today, while welcoming niche social groups and grassroots organizations to expand and reach larger groups of individuals. It facilitates connections among nearby strangers while also supplementing financial support for essential needs.

Activating the Service

Social Credit App

Linked to the user's Social Credit card, the app allows monitoring of points and scores, detailing covered necessities and available coverage. Users earn badges for workshop participation and empathetic acts, which impacts their score. All workshop-related services, including uploading personal workshops, registration, and certification, are accessible from the main homepage.