Kinstruct
2026
Kinstruct is a conversation kit that scaffolds legacy planning through play, shifting end-of-life conversations into a creative family habit. It offers a guided starting point for those unsure where to begin by simplifying the complexity of legacy into approachable themes. Through open dialogue, this kit encourages Singaporean families to take charge of their future, creating collective peace of mind, one conversation at a time.
To understand this gap, I followed a Research-Through-Design (RTD) approach by conducting semi-structured interviews and playtesting sessions with intergenerational family pairs (parents aged 50< and children aged 20<).
The Two Key Findings
Misalignment in Needs
Official tools like My Legacy SG focus on formal documentation, but Singaporean families instinctively want to start legacy planning by talking first.
Initiation Burden
Both the Parents and Children want to talk, but fear being disrespectful and overstepping boundaries. Nobody starts the conversation.
My design question became:
How can design act as a neutral mediator to absorb the emotional risk of difficult topics such as end-of-life?
Low-Stakes Interaction
Using tangible, physical components to externalise heavy topics.
Non-Linear Navigation
Families can choose their own entry point and exit whenever they need to. No pressure. No predetermined path.
Metaphorical Prompting
Bridging the gap between personal stories and formal legal action through carefully crafted language.
To dismantle the communication barrier further, I turned to the psychology of play. Sutton-Smith described play as a space that is "not real, but not not real".
It provides a safe psychological distance, allowing us to process difficult emotions without the pressure of a direct, confrontational conversation. But for play to work in a serious context, it has to be structured and respectful.