Rheanna Sunil – Heriot Watt University

Rheanna Sunil

Communication Design

Reborn

Rediscovering Identity Beyond Motherhood

Design Statement: Design is the invisible architecture behind everything. Before a product exists, before a system functions, and before a message is understood, design has already shaped the experience. Most people may not notice it, and that is what fascinates me. What draws me further into design is its boundless nature. It spans multiple disciplines, each with its own language, logic, and purpose. Rather than finding this breadth overwhelming, I find it motivating. I am curious to move across different areas of design, building skill, awareness, and fluency in as many forms as possible. Beyond craft, design also carries responsibility. Designers do not simply create; they solve problems and shape how people experience the world. That is the kind of designer I am becoming: one who recognizes a problem and instinctively begins to design a thoughtful way through it.

Project Overview: First-time mothers often experience identity loss, emotional isolation, and reduced confidence during the postpartum transition, especially once initial newborn support begins to fade. Many struggle to reconnect with themselves while balancing motherhood, relationships, and the pressure of returning to personal or professional life. Emotional recovery is often overlooked, despite the powerful impact that compassion, encouragement, and consistent support from loved ones can have on mental wellbeing. Reborn is an app that guides first-time mothers navigating through post-partum period to reconnect with themselves through a set of guided activities at their own pace. Reborn challenges the idea that only mothers can support other mothers. It enables anyone who cares about a mother to become part of her recovery and identity rebuilding journey. Through guided self-rediscovery, emotional support, and meaningful encouragement, Reborn helps mothers rebuild confidence and feel valued again.