Date of Award
Spring 5-31-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Department
Graphic Design
First Advisor
kathy wu
Second Advisor
Christopher Sleboda
Third Advisor
Wael Morcos
Abstract
Our perception of the world is not fixed; it is shaped by experience. Through practices like meditation, Buddhist rituals, and even altered states of consciousness, the mind has the capacity to shift how we see, feel, and exist in the present. Mindfulness, for me, has been both a refuge from suffering and a means of survival—an awareness cultivated through personal experiences. Yet, in daily life, we often detach from the present, rushing past what is right in front of us. If design has the power to shape perception, can it also serve as a tool to guide presence?
My thesis explores how design can create conditions for mindfulness by drawing from spiritual practices and sensory engagement. Through mundane objects, immersive virtual spaces, and experiential installations, I investigate how multisensory design can offer glimpses of heightened awareness, drawing people into the present moment. This research also incorporates interviews with individuals who engage in mindfulness practices, exploring their lived experiences.
Blending traditional contemplative practices with contemporary design methods, this thesis is both an inquiry and a personal journey—an exploration of how design can serve as a refuge, fostering moments of stillness and connection in an ever-rushing world.
Recommended Citation
Kim, Hyomin, "Shape Shifter" (2025). Masters Theses. 1418.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1418
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