how can analogous design trigger a relaxation response in the user to counter daily stress?
“Relaxation Objects” are a set of handheld objects derived from our natural, emotional and spiritual connections; aim to provide a space where the user can escape the pressure of their daily responsibilities momentarily and take the time to tune into themselves.
This project was based on an academic brief to address a potential issue that might become more significant in the year 2050. Setting the scene, people are content with their improved standard of living, but still most people feel pressure from dealing with their responsibilities. Whether it’s time spent on household tasks or stress from professional occupation, people are feeling the need to escape their problems. Individuals are identifying with a relaxed place where they can unwind and relieve pressure.
As the rapid development of social-digital environment since the 2010s have demonstrated, people are increasingly feeling a need to escape the hassles of their daily life to relieve some pressure and feel better. Stress caused by the urgency to fulfil our personal and professional responsibilities is affecting hard-working individuals in particular. This project is proposing a comfortable setting for relaxation, a moment in time and space where people don’t feel pressured.
This project takes advantage of research on object relations (theory), play therapy, object associations. Examples of "generic play with natural found objects", and "rehabilitation objects for interactive therapy" are reviewed.
Research findings are analysed under two pillars: "relation between therapy and exploration" and "interaction with the objects". It is concluded that where the design of an objects is abstract, users can project their own thoughts and feelings onto them. Meanings we associate with objects can be deeply personal. How we interact with objects are influenced by the meaning they reflect. Through a process of self-exploration, users of existing products were able to understand their positive or negative experiences.
this project aims to recuperate wellness as a holistic system that is personalised and strives to create harmony between body, mind and spirit, with the goal of preventing illness
Relaxation Objects are abstract as possible to remove any preconceptions, thereby leaving room for interpretation and personal reflection. This playful interaction provides a safe and private medium for self exploration and ultimately triggers a natural relaxation response that aids in improving holistic wellness.
Each objects is made from a different material that contrast or compliment values the figure represent. Contrast of senses help users understand positive and negative experiences they associate with.
Material choices are reconsidered to decrease the amount of environmental impact of production. Recycled tin, sustainably sourced wood, PLA plastic (derived from corn), (algae or sugarcane based) bio-foam are selected for their 'circular' qualities.
Through the 2020's with rising climate concerns and disruption due to pandemic, the global supply chains are brought into question.
Near shoring is a strategy utilised to locally manufacture Relaxation Objects from widely circulated materials. The product is therefore more efficient in use of materials and energy in manufacturing, decreasing environmental and financial costs throughout its life.
YEAR
2021
CONTEXT
Academic project undertaken during the second year of BA (Hons) Product Design course at Central Saint Martins
SCOPE
Psychology, CMF design, Circular design thinking, Product design, Environmental impact assesment, Lifecycle assesment
BRIEF
There still remains limited awareness of how prevention can be a better alternative. The idea of health and wellness has shifted over the years, encompassing more than just the physical or mental state. What might holistic wellness look like in the future?
CHALLENGE
Using established design processes to investigate future scenarios. Creating a well resolved design response that sits within the future context. Consideration of user journey scenarios, CMF qualities, sustainable values, visual communication methods.
OUTCOME
Proposal of a physical product that prevents anxiety build up. Integration of sustainable values through material choices and supply chain considerations. Efficient use of materials and energy, decreased environmental and financial costs throughout product life cycle.
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unlocking long term value by using object relations
The meaning we associate with objects, and the emotional value they represent determines our relationship with an object. Understanding how to leverage users emotional and psychological relations could help shape the product vision. After careful analysis of the target consumer demographic, researchers can determine what kind of sensory touchpoints to include in the product. Putting this object relations into existing product lifecycle chains could potentially unveil new opportunities regarding value generation, sustainability and marketing. .....read more
