Project 5
Elysian: Reimagining End-of-Life Planning
Project Description
Death is inevitable, yet our society considers it taboo. As a result, most people and families face overwhelming logistical, emotional, and financial burdens when the time comes. The deathcare industry is complex, outdated, and non-sustainable, leaving individuals without clear guidance and limited eco-friendly options.
Elysian is redefining the end-of-life experience. This research project explores how we can normalize the conversation around death, simplify planning, and create a sustainable, user-centered ecosystem for end-of-life care. Through extensive user research, competitive analysis, and industry insights, this study identifies key challenges in the deathcare market and provides strategic recommendations for how Elysian can position itself as a leader in this space.
The result is a comprehensive white paper that informs Elysian’s service offerings, digital tools, and product roadmap, ensuring that individuals and families have the support they need to navigate this difficult journey with clarity, dignity, and sustainability in mind.
The Journey: From Research to Innovation
Understanding the Gaps - Through global literature reviews, structured interviews, and ethnographic research, key focus areas include:
Why death remains a taboo topic and how to encourage open conversations.
The challenges of pre-planning, immediate planning, and hospice care.
Sustainability concerns and the rise of eco-friendly burial options.
User Research & Stakeholder Insights - Qualitative and quantitative research included:
Baby Boomers & Millennials: Exploring values, concerns, and planning behaviors.
Hospice & Palliative Care Patients & Caregivers: Identifying challenges in navigating end-of-life care.
Medical & Deathcare Professionals: Understanding industry pain points, cultural factors, and sustainability trends.
Designing a New Deathcare Experience - Using design thinking methodologies, opportunities were identified for digital tools and services, including;
A personalized end-of-life planning marketplace to streamline choices and reduce logistical burdens.
Eco-conscious funeral and burial alternatives that align with sustainability trends.
Community-driven support networks to help individuals and families navigate grief and planning.
Developing actionable recommendations - the final white paper includes:
Three feature recommendations for a digital-first deathcare platform.
A competitive analysis of existing market players and gaps.
A strategic roadmap for Elysian to optimize its offerings and drive meaningful change in the industry.
Key Outcomes & Lasting Impact
Breaking the Silence Around Death: Providing a framework for normalizing conversations and encouraging early planning.
Simplifying the End-of-Life Journey: Identifying tools to make the pre-planning and immediate planning process clearer and more accessible.
Sustainability & Green Burials: Addressing the environmental impact of deathcare and offering eco-conscious alternatives.
Industry Insights & Competitive Positioning: Delivering a data-driven strategy for Elysian to lead the transformation of the deathcare market.
A Roadmap for the Future: Ensuring that end-of-life planning becomes a guided, intentional process rather than a crisis-driven event.