FOCUS

Product Design Graduation Thesis Project

Year: 2024

Project Brief:

This project was my thesis project, it was designed to help people with ADHD. I aimed to find a different solution than the ones that already existed. Connecting and healing in a more spiritual way rather than a medical way.

Concept:

The concept of this research is centered around the exploration of fabrics, sewing techniques, colors, and patterns, and how these design elements can influence or assist individuals with ADHD. The aim is not solely to create products for those with ADHD, but to design items that are beneficial to them while also appealing to a wider audience. These products are intended to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal, ensuring they are both practical and visually enjoyable for anyone to incorporate into their daily lives.

Research:

I started my research by examining the different symptoms and treatments of ADHD, looking into case studies and fidget tools. As I explored these aspects, I decided to focus on semi-precious stones and their connection to psychology, incorporating sentimental value. My research ultimately centered on the intersection of design and psychology, specifically exploring how elements like semi-precious stones can positively impact mental health, stress, and anxiety. I studied the psychological properties of various stones and how they could be integrated into designs to benefit individuals, especially those with ADHD. By understanding the calming and healing effects of these stones, I aimed to create jewelry and accessories that offer both aesthetic value and therapeutic benefits. This research guided my design process, enabling me to create products that connect emotionally with users and support their well-being.

Execution:

For the execution of my research, I translated my findings into practical design concepts, focusing on creating jewelry and accessories that integrated semi-precious stones in a way that would provide both emotional and therapeutic benefits. I selected stones with calming and healing properties, ensuring that each piece was not only aesthetically appealing but also functional in addressing the needs of individuals with ADHD. I carefully considered the texture, weight, and arrangement of the stones, aiming to create designs that users could interact with and that would offer sensory comfort. Through prototyping and testing, I refined these designs to ensure that they were both beautiful and beneficial, ultimately creating pieces that could be used in daily life to support mental health and emotional well-being. This process involved a blend of design principles, psychological research, and practical experimentation, ensuring that each piece had a purposeful connection to the user’s emotional needs.

Process:

The execution of my project was a long, hands-on experience. Initially, I planned to create a weighted, dish-shaped blanket. However, as the project progressed, I realized that a poncho would be more suitable, interesting, and effective. To keep the materials stable before starting the stitching, weaving, and knotting process, I decided to work on a canvas or frame. My dad, who works in the furniture business, helped me find an unused bamboo or wood frame in his workshop that was the perfect size and shape.

I began experimenting with various methods, such as tying, stitching, and weaving, to incorporate the semi-precious stones into the net-like fabric I had chosen. I used cotton rope, hypoallergenic fabrics, natural beads, semi-precious stones, and chenille yarn balls. However, I faced significant challenges in securing the stones. The thin string I used, intended to make the stones stand out more than the stitching, couldn’t support the weight of the stones. This led to frequent issues with the stones slipping out. The slippery nature of both the fabric and the stones, combined with their varying sizes and shapes, made it even more difficult to keep everything in place.

Final: