The Tree Stump
Alyx Carter
My aim for this product is to offer an alternative approach for individuals who struggle with their mental health to engage with the park and improve their visiting experience. This seat's purpose is to give the individual privacy in an over-stimulating situation.
Design Brief
Design a product that improves the experience of the site for individuals who may find it difficult to engage with initially. This could either enhance the existing environment or improve the accessibility of it.
Mental health is something that affects individuals regardless of their background or age meaning they struggle to experience things that others do not account for. This could be, anxiety forming a barrier between them and the environment, processing disorders resulting in overstimulation or even OCD reducing enjoyable contact.
Description of the Project
I completed two sections of research for this project, an interview with a practitioner who works as part of an inclusive theatre company, and an immersive experience where I experimented with the lack of contact caused by OCD. I used a material study to influence the concepts then created concepts that suited the brief and rounded these down using a selection matrix. Using perspective and orthographic drawings I enhanced my concept design before completing a study of components, form and connections in development. I then created three different layout designs, chose a configuration and analysed the materials I would use to suit the brief.
Process
My aim for this product is to offer an alternative approach for individuals who struggle with their mental health to engage with the park and improve their visiting experience. This seat's purpose is to give the individual privacy in an over-stimulating situation.
Aim
For this design I used associative thinking taking inspiration from a tree trunk. It averts attention allowing the user a moment of peace by blending in.
Design strategy
Email address: alyxjo2202@gmail.com
Instagram handle: alyx_carter22
About me
I have been studying with the OU for two years now and I am about to move onto my third year. Studying at a brick university was tricky for me due to my mental health. Therefore in my designs, I always try to consider not just the physically disabled but those with hidden disabilities as well.
Studying with the OU has given me a purpose that has been sorely missed since the pandemic. After graduation, my plan is quite vague, I want to keep working to design concepts that improve the quality of life for those with additional needs whether physical or mental.