Studio 2 x Product Design
Project: Aid in a segment relating to productivity by creating a physical object (Product Design) with an accompanying interface component (Studio 2).
Currently, we are thinking about creating a physical device that would help those struggling with ADHD, or who have general productivity issues. See project proposal below for more detail.
Character 1: Barry Straussford
Barry is a 30 year old adult male and has suffered with ADHD since an early age. When Barry was a child, he tried various techniques and medications in order to help cope with his ADHD. One such example would be him taking mediation at an early age when he was first diagnosed. Although the meditation did aid in Barry’s focus in school, its side effects outweighed the benefits as its effect of loss of appetite caused Barry to lose too much weight. Additionally, his family has feared any long term side effects or damage the adderall may have on Barry’s mental health. Has since looked for alternate focus methods.
Barry’s day job is an accountant, however, due to his ongoing struggles with focusing, he finds himself not as productive in extended periods of work. This has caused him to be fired from one of his previous positions. Today, in Barry’s work, he continues to strive to focus better, and has tried various alternate techniques to help him focus. Examples include things from a pomodoro timer, taking frequent breaks and listening to music while he studies. However, he still sometimes struggles in extended meetings or focus sessions and wishes he can be more productive during these times.
He continues to try various methods of focusing but finds he is most focused and relaxed in the garden or playing his drums. He realizes that this is the most relaxing output and mental state of focus. He wonders how this “zone” and relaxed sense of space and focus might be applied to an office setting.
Character 2: Maya Hollar
Maya Hollar is a 19 year old college student who just moved out of the house and is finally living on her own at college. She finds herself struggling with anxiety and being on her own for the first time. As a result she finds it hard to focus because there are a million different things swirling in her head. Did she turn off the stove? Where was she supposed to be tomorrow morning? Did she remember to buy milk? She finds herself struggling with all this new found responsibility.
She finds her mind wandering while doing classes online. The constant use of her computer is nauseating and dull. Maya can’t keep to a routine and accomplish all of the different tasks she needs. Her anxiety only grows with each task as the pile continues to grow and she feel incapable of accomplishing simple tasks. As a result she shuts down in her room. She finds herself doom scrolling on social media rather than working on the backlog of homework. The pressure keeps growing and she finally decides to make a change.
She decided to eliminate all distractions around her while she is supposed to be studying. Clearing her desk of trinkets that would take her attention. Maya decided that she would pursue a minimalist workspace where there wouldn’t be anything to take her out of the zone while accomplishing her work. She decided to cut out caffeine which would only excite her and overstimulate. Now that she has created a space she feels comfortable in she has a semblance of order in her life but she still struggles to pace herself.
