My goal is to create a safe space for people with anxiety disorder. I want to create a collapsible product/box where people can go and release their tensions. The collapsible trait is designed for storage purposes. If the object is visible at all times, it could trigger old (bad) memories.
Sketches and Drawing Experimentations:
Hinge Idea:
My idea was to create a box where people can go physically inside. I wanted it to be enclosed entirely – thinking that this would make the user feel more safe, but after some interviews and research, I realised that at times of anxiety attack, ventilation is key. This is because most people already have difficulty breathing during break downs, and could easily faint.
The additional idea that I later decided to adjust, is the reflective surfaces on the interior of the box. Initially, I thought this was a good idea because the mirrors will encourage users to look at themselves and be aware of the situation. Again, after more thorough research, I realized that using reflective materials could be too overwhelming for the user, especially in situations of melancholy.
Rough Prototype:
Collapsible Trait:
Process Photos:
From research, I found that softer and rounder edges are more appealing to the eye, especially in times of distress. To test out a collapsible, yet round shape, I constructed another rough prototype, using a similar template as the formal design.
Rough Prototype 2:
From constructing this prototype, I found that it is not possible to make the product collapsible, and simultaneously round. This is why in my design, I decided to approach the project, using of similar template as the original, and incorporate fabric that can manipulate the user with its rounder shape. The sketch below shows my final design.
Final Sketch Design:
Process Sketch with research:
Product without the fabric:
‘Pillowcase’ Muslin Prototype:
From doing this prototype, I found that I sewed on the wrong sections. Instead of sewing around the edges and leaving the ‘snipped in’ parts open, I did the reverse. So when I started doing it in a larger scale for the product, I made sure not to make the same mistake.
Constructing the ‘Pillowcases’:
To make sure all parts were sewn equally, I measured the foam board according to its size. 2 were 40′ x 36′, 1 was 46′ x 36′, 2 were 23′ x 36′, 1 was 40′ x 46′. These measurements were also used to cut the fabric (x2). I indicated on the board where the hinges would be attached by dividing the length of each side by 4, as there would be 2 hinges on each side. The hinge size was 2 1/2′.
To make sure all four sides are attached, I used velcro for one side of the square.
Area for hinge (close-up):
Final Product (collapsed):
Final Constructed Prototype:
Unfortunately, due to time constraint, I was unable to manipulate the users’ eyes using separate pieces of fabric where it would be attached to the two sides of the front.
