Burn Letter

Something you want to let go.

Kim, Sabine An-Xi, D'Amore-McKim School Business

Burn Letter

Burn Letter is an interactive digital experience that gives users a simple yet meaningful way to let go of thoughts they no longer want to hold on to. In a time when almost everything we write online is saved somewhere, this project is meant to feel like the opposite. Instead of storing or sharing something, the user writes a personal message and watches it disappear completely. The interaction is intentionally minimal. The user types a message, anything from stress, frustration, regret, or something more personal, and it appears on a digital piece of paper. They can then drag the letter into a fire at the bottom of the screen. Once the letter touches the fire, it begins to burn and gradually disintegrates until nothing is left. There is no record of the message, reinforcing the idea of privacy and release. The concept is inspired by the real-life act of burning letters as a way to move on or process emotions. I’ve personally done something similar by writing things down and physically throwing them away or destroying them, and I know how satisfying that feeling of letting go can be. This project translates that experience into a digital format while still keeping that sense of intention. Visually, the design is pretty minimal. The background is completely black, allowing the fire to be the main focus. There is a text box where the user can input their message. The fire is a GIF image of a flickering fireplace. The letter is simple and centered, so the interaction feels calm and direct. The goal is for the user to understand what to do without needing instructions. Burn Letter is less about functionality and more about creating a small, personal moment. It shows how digital design can create experiences that feel reflective and meaningful.