Bloom
Made Collective Mood Visible (2022-2024)
An interaction design research project exploring how students could anonymously express their mood and see the emotional climate of a shared academic space. The project evolved through four iterations, from a digital check-in to a desk gadget and lobby display, testing how different interaction formats could make burnout feel more visible and less isolating.
Software Interaction Design
The first iteration was a digital mood check-in where users selected “Down” or “Good,” and a new leaf appeared every 10 seconds to visualize collective participation. I built the prototype with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, then tested it with 6 users and found that showing a withering leaf for “Down” felt too negative. This led me to redesign the feedback so every interaction felt supportive, reinforcing that feeling down is valid and still deserves care.
Iteration 2
Due to the limitations of 'Visualization,' I expanded my focus to encompass the entire range of human senses. My design evolved from software to a physical device.
Ideate:
3-D Modeling & Rendering
Input Design
I placed the device on a table in a study room and conducted tests with eight people.
Testing
The two buttons need to be differentiated. There are too many wires; consider simplifying the input. The inputs are not interesting enough to incentivize users to engage.
Reflection
Iteration 3
My next goal is to set it up in the lobby of our department building. Also, I want to make the way to use it more obvious. Sharing feelings shouldn't be hidden away. I want to encourage everyone to express themselves freely. To encourage more interactive ways to take input. I designed 5 different approaches. I interviewed 2 professors and 7 students and asked them to vote for their favorite ways. In my next iteration, I'm going to asking for a "high five" and "kick me" as new way to take input. I designed hand and foot-shaped buttons using silicone, asking users to give a high five or a kick as input. (In my initial prototype of iteration 3, I used 'perma foil' instead of making a silicone button)
