HEALIX
About the project
In recent years, office employees have faced a high workload with a great deal of stress as consequence. According to The Handbook of Work and Health Psychology (2002), prolonged stress exposure can cause major physical and mental health issues, such as depression and/or cardiovascular disease. The initial step in behavioral change to mitigate overall stress levels may involve early detection and awareness of stress. As a result, this design research project seeks to investigate whether a physical collective stress visualization can enhance workers’ general stress awareness in a flexible workspace. The artifact Healix responds to collective stress by rotating its core, bending its plates, or adjusting its slats to reflect an imbalance.
Research Question
”Which aesthetic parameters are suitable to visualise collective stress in the work environment?”
The research collected both quantitative data from questionnaires and qualitative insights through interviews. Findings indicated that the appearance of the artifacts is influenced by personal preferences and office culture. Movement, as an aesthetic parameter, was found to be intricately linked to stress through metaphors and personal interpretations. Ultimately, this study marks an initial stride towards developing collective stress visualizations in order to promote awareness in open office environments.
Research Question
”Which aesthetic parameters are suitable to visualise collective stress in the work environment?”
The research collected both quantitative data from questionnaires and qualitative insights through interviews. Findings indicated that the appearance of the artifacts is influenced by personal preferences and office culture. Movement, as an aesthetic parameter, was found to be intricately linked to stress through metaphors and personal interpretations. Ultimately, this study marks an initial stride towards developing collective stress visualizations in order to promote awareness in open office environments.
PROJECT
B3.1 | Design
Research Project
COACH
Jun Hu
Matthijs Hoekstra
YEAR
Vitality | 2023
