Competitive athletics often celebrate strength, resilience, and discipline, yet the emotional and psychological costs of performance are rarely visible. Injuries, burnout, anxiety, and pressure to appear mentally tough are frequently treated as normal parts of the process rather than warning signs. WORN examines how constant performance expectations and public visibility shape an athlete’s sense of self, and how the demand to appear capable can overshadow private experiences of fatigue, doubt, and vulnerability. The project centers on the question of what happens to the body and mind when excellence is prioritized over well-being. 

Research in sports psychology and mental health reveals that many athletes struggle to seek support due to stigma, fear of judgment, and the belief that rest or emotional difficulty signals weakness.¹ At the same time, contemporary digital culture encourages constant self-monitoring and comparison, reinforcing the pressure to present a polished and high-performing image. Together, these systems normalize silence and make it difficult for athletes to acknowledge strain. WORN responds by creating a quiet, athlete-focused space for reflection and connection.

Presented as a mobile app and interactive installation, the work translates the app concept into a physical environment. The installation functions as a prototype, allowing users to engage with core features of the app in a more embodied and reflective way. Through minimalist design, anonymity, and slower interactions, the system reduces comparison and fosters a sense of safety.

Instead of tracking performance, it centers journaling, shared experiences, and access to mental health resources. This reframes care as part of athletic practice.

1. Justin R. Harker and Trent A. Petrie, “What Facilitates Collegiate Athletes Seeking Mental Health Care? Athletic Trainers’ Perceptions,” Journal of American College Health73, no. 1 (2025): 161–167.