A Framework for Designing Relationship Strengthening Digital Money Gifts in Close Friendships

Abstract

Receiving a money gift can be bound to potential awkwardness and money gifts are also often regarded to show little effort and thought or surprise and thus leaves little impression on a relationship. We developed a framework presenting some of the key influential design considerations. This framework was transformed into a brief and design cards that was further applied in co-design workshops. This resulted in three low-fidelity interactive prototypes: Reborn Game, Fictional Wedding, and Guardian Angel. The design factors of the framework are evaluated in their effect to be potentially relationship-strengthening. Based on 20 interviews the perception of money gifts was explored. The application of factors was found to achieve a more effortful, careful gift, and also awkwardness of receiving money could be relieved through the design. The digital gift also showed an ability to convey the giver’s thoughts and feelings in an experience, but it also could feel artificial.