How can design empower anxious people? Action Research 2 / Annabel Webster s2937857
Research Scope Why is this issue important to address? Just like our physical bodies, we should also be taking care of our mental health - however this often gets overlooked by society. Anxiety affects millions of people. It can get in the way of our lives, and can hinder us even to the point of not being able to perform simple everyday tasks.
Influences? • John William Keedy’s, ‘It’s Hardly Noticeable’, photographic series • Olafur Eliasson and Ann Veronica Janssens work - perceptions in a constant state of flux; they can be positively influenced by our surroundings and sensory experiences. • Researched journal articles - anxiety can often develop from the stress we are put under in the workplace and the pressure we face to succeed at high levels.
Research Scope Target Audience? Adults & young adults in the workplace Much stress is brought on in this environment. Adults facing anxiety in the workplace often aren’t given any opportunities to address or relieve the condition. Methodologies? Initial research into anxiety involved gathering qualitative data via surveys and informal discussions, sketches and drawing experiments, and social observations and reflections.
Project Progress Changing Focus • This project now deals with anxiety - by not dealing with it directly. • People’s anxieties generally worsen the more they focus on them, as this creates unnecessary worry and self-criticism. • To relieve our anxieties in the workplace, we need chances to relax, take a breather, and unload our stress • This can be done through the concept of ‘fun’. Developing Concept - Researching health benefits of play / games - Inspired by fun designs: Piano Stairs
Project Progress Reflecting • Continuing methodologies: surveys, sketches, mindmaps, informal discussions, social observations
Project Progress Influence: Tiny Twister Miniature Concept - ‘Peak-shift Effect’ Mundane forms taken from reality and made into a ‘super-stimulous’ = made exciting & surprising! Concept Idea • Pack of helpful items - made miniture >> Helps us to escape from reality & stress >> Will include items that are fun, amusing, and help people to relax
Reflecting >> Package to be soft fabric, not hard box
Possible items to go in Pack: • Games • Puzzles • Colouring Pages • Aesthetically pleasing • Stress ball / something to fiddle with • Written advice / tips • Jokes
Future Directions • Continue planning & methodologies • Decide what exactly will go in pack (from full survey feedback & research) • Working on branding & slogan • Starting to test prototypes
Proposed Timeline Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
• Presentation due • Continue concepts & methodologies
• Reflection • Implementation - what the design is
• Continue Designs • Start prototypes - testing materials, colours
• Finalise Designs • Test outcome & gain feedback
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
• Branding -logo -slogan
• Finish final outcome
• Proof all thing: Blog + Final Outcome
• FINAL OUTCOME DUE
Thankyou!