Design For Mental Health
2020
The projects were conceived following an opportunity to interview patients suffering from mental illness, facilitated by our engagement with NAMI-NYC (National Alliance on Mental Illness). These endeavors were inspired by the stories and experiences shared during these interactions. The projects address two common yet distinct settings: the home and the workplace, both of which are significant in the context of the often hidden nature of mental health issues.
- The solo project "Family Vase" is a unique initiative aimed at facilitating communication within families where dialogue is often challenged. It introduces a discreet method for family members to express negative emotions without immediate confrontation. By leaving notes in a vase, individuals can communicate their feelings adjacent to beautiful flowers, allowing for delayed responses when emotions are more stable, thus fostering understanding and support within the family.
- Conversely, the group project "Office Bathroom" targets the workplace, acknowledging it as a source of considerable stress for many. This project transforms office bathrooms into spaces resembling natural, green environments. It utilizes the soothing sounds of flowing water to aid brief meditative states, helping individuals calm down and momentarily escape from the pressures of work. This setup not only provides a private refuge in a public space but also cleverly incorporates the bathroom's existing water system to create a sustainable, eco-friendly solution.
Team: Chulun, Yujun, Peixuan
#MentalHealth #PublicDesign #Bathroom #ProductDesign
