One of the main challenges in this project was translating the inspiration from Spirited Away without becoming too literal, while maintaining sensitivity toward girls at risk and the realities they face.
A key part of the process was finding a way to create an interactive experience that speaks to them at eye level, rather than from a patronizing or “rescuing” perspective.
Another challenge was designing from the point of view of a girl in distress, in order to better understand what kind of digital space would feel safe, accessible, and emotionally relevant.
This directly influenced the way information was structured, particularly around making support resources and help requests clear and easy to access.
Visually, the challenge was to develop an aesthetic language that remains aligned with the conceptual inspiration while serving the project’s social purpose in a respectful and meaningful way.
The visual language of the project draws from several layered references.
I was inspired by Y2K aesthetics for their current cultural relevance, playful energy, and nostalgic quality, particularly the way they reclaim a sense of feminine girlhood.
This became an important reference point for creating a space that feels both contemporary and emotionally familiar.
I also drew inspiration from simple geometric children’s toys and games, using their visual simplicity to evoke feelings of nostalgia, safety, and security. Additional inspiration came from the collaborative and welcoming atmosphere of a hostel I stayed in in Berlin, which influenced the sense of openness, warmth, and community within the space.
The color palette and emotional tone were further informed by Spirited Away, borrowing from its rich, immersive world to create a visual environment that feels both inviting and conceptually grounded.
The solution was to transform the website into a fun, welcoming, and emotionally engaging experience that directly responds to the feelings explored in the thinking process.
Rather than positioning the platform as a traditional support website, the design approach focused on creating a sense of warmth, curiosity, and belonging.
Through a playful visual language, inviting interaction, and clear pathways into the physical center, the goal was to create a digital entry point that encourages girls to feel safe, interested, and genuinely motivated to take part in the center itself.
