Long-distance relationships can be difficult to maintain. There are so many different people out there, but there will always be that one person who means the whole world to us. For those that are determined to go through the trials of LDR, they will be greatly rewarded in the end. They will always be your favorite hello and your hardest goodbye. Be yourself, communicate, and treat that special person with unconditional love. You will make your own dreams come true one day.
“Not yet, she’s too young to have a boyfriend."
This is the one phrase that has haunted me since I was in middle school during family reunions. Growing up as the only girl in the family, I had to learn things the hard way about the meaning of being in a relationship. I never had any relationship experience in person before and only developed crushes. The only sources I had were my online friends and the Internet.
I have experienced countless trials and errors while enduring the flaws of what life would send my way. As daunting as the process was, I found the love of my life during my senior year of high school through one of my online gaming friends in early January 2018. This long-distance relationship had been the start of something new for both of us: one who had never experienced one and the other who had been through multiple, hoping this relationship would be the one.
We had our first-ever in-person meet-up on July 12-19 2022, a week that had been the best experience in my life. Ever since he went back home, I would count the days until we would see each other again and eventually live together to close the distance between us.
The problem with long-distance relationships is the distance between couples. They need to find solutions that would mend the distance between them. Plus, there is a chance of needing physical intimacy between the couple since they are far from each other. No matter the distance, couples visiting their partner from long distance is costly, so it is only a matter of time until they see each other again.
“The physical aspect of you not seeing them for a long time, so there has to be a substitute for affection between you guys.” - Daniel (long-distance relationship interviewee)
“If you must have something that reminds you of that person to comfort you until your next interaction, maybe you should hold onto that." - Julia (Single interviewee)
The solution to long-distance relationships is holding onto something that provides comfort, suppressing doubts or negativity between a long-distance couple. Having a plushie that comes in a care package with special items and bits of merchandise will certainly make the meaning of long-distance relationships worthwhile, creating a stronger bond than any long-distance couple has ever made since the start of their relationship.
HeartSoul is a product line that helps long-distance couples strengthen their bond, although they are not with each other physically. This product involves a stuffed animal that is delivered, like a care package, including some complementary items. Some of those items include a code that links with the plush, a special card that lets the customer know some heartfelt words towards them, and bits of merchandise to thank the customers for purchasing the product.
Inside the plush, there is a speaker that is used with the app for people to hear messages from their loved ones. Those messages can also be used as a sound for alarms or timers that can be heard through the plush. The product is meant to be used where people feel most comfortable, creating a unique experience with the plush.
HeartSoul is known to be a product line like no other typical long-distance product out there. They aim to bring long-distance couples closer together to make their relationship worthwhile with the help of a loving stuffed animal. Even if individuals are single, this product line can be something worth recommending to their long-distance relationship friends who are struggling with their relationship.
Materials and Templates
Plushies
App
Each plush comes with a complementary app for long-distance couples! There is also a product code card that is included for the set up phase to be able to connect the wireless speaker with it. Couples are able to set alarms and timers to their desire from the messages they receive. That way, LDR couples are able to send messages through the app and have them played through the plush.
Check out the app prototype here!
Packaging
Product Code Card
Personal Message Card
HeartSoul is aimed at long-distance couples who either have a busy schedule, want to feel closer to their long-distance partner, or crave physical intimacy. Unlike Build-A-Bear, this plush contains a wireless speaker inside that connects with an app to be able to send messages to a long-distance partner. Build-A-Bear allows customers to put only one voice box in their plushie for the plush to say one phrase.
HeartSoul has a similar care packaging system as SendAFriend, but there will be a card with a product code, a special card containing a meaningful message a loved one has provided, and some complementary items to thank customers for purchasing the product. Since this product revolves around long-distance relationships, the plush and package will have a cute comfort theme to them.
The idea is for long-distance couples to find comfort in this plushie to mend the distance until they see each other in person. In a way, this brand is taking elements from the competition to be combined into a product line that goes beyond the competition.
HeartSoul checks off all the boxes in comparison with its competition. Each component from the competition is combined into one, making this product line worth it. This will become a game changer in the way that long-distance couples connect with one another. All are handmade and 100% personalized guaranteed.
Promotional Items
Business Card
Stationery
Social Media
Outdoor Advertising
Thank you!
I appreciate you taking the time to check out my Senior Project! This project had been a dream come true to be able to share my story and educate people on long-distance relationships. Thank you to everyone who has made this project possible and for joining on this lovely journey of mine! I hope that this has sparked inspiration for you and your passions.
If you would like to view more of my work and get to know me, check out my portfolio below by clicking the button!