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The ZONE IN Space

 

Project intro


Our attention span has shortened due to easier access to information, and it is expected to worsen soon in the next few generations.

Distraction is being introduced as a negative power, disturbing our task.

This project aims to solve the shortened attention span by promoting mind wandering through gentle distractions integrated into the design, to help neurodivergent users zoning into the workflow. These distractions include ongoing rocking rhythm and self-reflexology foot massages to stimulate the reflex zones in our bodies for longer-term concentration. Moreover, a manually set 40Hz binaural vibration difference is emitted to bring distracted users back into the flow.

This project stands in between the functional and speculative design by utilizing gentle distraction to enhance workflow for the current young generation, and on the other hand, using stimulation given through experiencing with the space to promote mind wandering as a possible solution for helping neurodivergent individuals get into the workflow.

︎︎︎Click the exhibition image below for more processes



      

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Design Functions






“Outcome Prototype 1 & User test” 
For more of the prototype 1 making process please ︎︎︎ click here ︎︎︎


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“Prototypes & Functions tests” (Experiment props to final object)

Please scroll down︎︎︎


1: Reflexology massage and arch studies



Process



2. Prototype 2 -

Rocking stool with motion-triggered stimulation foot massage roller
A portable stool for finding where the design will be sitting in


Process


3. Prototype 3: Testing if Mild Distractions Improve Concentration by Triggering Mind Wandering


Inspired by Vago's research in 2018 on mind wandering loss feeling of time passing:

Participants are asked to do two sessions of online research about how distraction can help concentration. One on a normal chair and desk for 7 minutes and the other one in the zone-in space for 8 minutes.

Participants are then asked to guess how many minutes they experienced in each space and what 5 things they learned after the concentrating session.



RESULT



3. Sound System integrated Rocking/ Swinging seat 


In the previous experiment, I found that sound can be a major distraction.

To help refocus attention, I'm testing periodic sounds combined with gentle distractions. I used a self-made wind chime to see how knocking it affects concentration spans.




Testing function and results



40 hz tuning fork 


For concentration when a larger distraction comes in. When the above concentration experiment was tested , there are people come and go in the photography room that gave too much a distraction. The tuning forks are used to block out excessive distraction from the environment that is large enough to drag the user away. This is when the tuning forks gives frequency to pull the user back into the flow state.




3D visualization of the final chair & Physical aesthetic test prototypesz