Date of Award
Spring 5-31-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Industrial Design
Department
Industrial Design
First Advisor
Asher Rodriguez-Dunn
Second Advisor
Mark Johnston
Third Advisor
Markus Earley
Abstract
People in cities live life at a fast paced forward march that results in a mental state called ‘hurry sickness’. This prevents them from living in the moment, which often leads to a disconnection to those around them. Mindfulness techniques have been proven to increase people’s levels of happiness and openness to the people around them. However, many people are too busy to practice these methods. My thesis looks at ways for mindfulness to intervene into their established routines. Illumination has been shown to promote mental well-being, either in therapy lamps, or circadian rhythm based lighting; the liminal spaces that commuters move through are an opportunity to sneak therapeutic lighting into their lives without them having to carve out time in their day for quiet reflection. Design has often been focused on increasing productivity and efficiency; with this design I aim to show how it can be used to improve the emotional health of the general public and raise levels of happiness and satisfaction. Through even the most subtle design intervention, one that interrupts unhealthy thought patterns, individuals can be brought back into the present moment.
Recommended Citation
Geddes, Kip, "Gradiance: a mindfulness intervention" (2025). Masters Theses. 1480.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1480
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