I Want To Say Sorry

Co-Product Designer | Maku XR | 2021

"I Want To Say Sorry" is a web tool designed to help well-intended users with the difficult act of apologizing by creating effective and sincere apologies. Inspired by the research of Brené Brown and Harriet Lerner, the app guides users through a rigorous process of stripping away defensiveness, ego, and "fauxpologies" to create a message that focuses entirely on the receiver's healing.

The Process

It starts simply enough. You write the name of the person you’re saying sorry to.

It gets harder when you must describe the events that took place by only recounting actions that a camera could have recorded not intentions.

Then you have to promise to change your behavior. It’s not a true apology unless you intend to make a concerted effort to be different in the future.

The final step is editing: removing your ego, your burdensome emotions, and your requests.

What you end up with is a heartfelt, matter-of-fact, soothing gift. A true “sorry” that asks nothing in return.