The Tearcatcher
The Tear Catcher is a participatory design object that invites men to share moments of sadness of everyday life events. Shaped like a teardrop, it contains a voice recorder and a "how to use" that encourages reflection on grief, fear, loss, love, or emotional pressure.
With a wearable version and one placed in cafés and bars, the Tear Catcher invites vulnerability into traditionally masculine spaces. Men can anonymously record a short story or "tear" about what made them sad or emotional, and what they possibly learned from this.
These tears get compiled into a podcast, where men can hear each others story while at the same time getting inspired by them. letting them be role models for each other.
The Tear Catcher challenges the dominant narrative that emotional restraint defines masculinity and shows how vulnerability can become visible and socially accepted.
