From the Mothers' Movement to Cradlr: An Interaction Design for Refugee Children

This essay presents the rationale, implementation, social and cultural influences, and historical background of Cradlr: An Interaction Design for Refugee Children, a human-centered digital network concept designed to keep displaced children—the most vulnerable group who doesn't have cell phones—connected with their families, resources, and heritage. Inspired by the Mothers’ Movement in China—a women's movement rescued and educated 30,000 refugee children—and European countries during World War II, this project goes beyond the realm of digital product design in an attempt to find a humanitarian solution for a complex social challenge. It envisions a global network preserving a collective memory that might help displaced children to overcome many adversities and receive more love and brighter futures.