| THE AWARD |
| CATEGORIES |
| REGISTRATION |
| SUBMIT YOUR WORK |
| ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS |
| TERMS & CONDITIONS |
| PUBLICATIONS |
| DATES & FEES |
| METHODOLOGY |
| CONTACT |
| WINNERS |
| PRESS ROOM |
| GET INVOLVED |
| DESIGN PRIZE |
| DESIGN STORE |
| THE AWARD | JURY | CATEGORIES | REGISTRATION | PRESS | WINNERS | PUBLICATIONS | ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS |
The M Self Evolved Personal Memory Sculpture by Rui Sun |
Home > Winners > Design #160832 >Interview |
 |
|
FS: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
RS: The main principle behind the M Self Evolved Personal Memory Sculpture is to combat the mental stress caused by information overload in our highly digitalized world. The idea is rooted in the belief that individuals need a tangible means to facilitate introspection and self-reflection. My inspiration came from observing how technology can create fragmentation in our lives, leading to a lack of mindfulness. This sculpture serves as a physical reminder to pause, meditate, and reconnect with one’s inner self.
FS: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
RS: My primary focus was to create a product that encourages mindfulness and meditation. I aimed to design a sculpture that not only serves as a beautiful object but also grows and evolves based on the user’s engagement with it. By establishing a habit of self-reflection, I wanted to help individuals cultivate a deeper connection with themselves, ultimately reducing mental stress and enhancing overall well-being.
FS: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
RS: In the future, I plan to expand the M concept by integrating more personalized features that adapt to user preferences. This could involve digital elements that provide guided meditation or reflection prompts, enhancing the user experience. I also hope to collaborate with mental health professionals to promote the sculpture as a tool for mindfulness practices in therapeutic settings.
FS: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
RS: The design process for the M sculpture took approximately two years. This period involved extensive research, prototyping, and user testing to ensure that it effectively addressed the needs for introspection and meditation.
FS: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
RS: This concept was inspired by my passion for creating designs that enhance mental well-being. It was not commissioned; rather, it emerged from my observations of how modern life impacts our mental health. I felt a strong urge to create a product that provides a refuge from the chaos of everyday life.
FS: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
RS: Currently, I am exploring partnerships with companies that align with the ethos of mindfulness and wellness. My goal is to ensure that the M sculpture is produced in a way that maintains its integrity and purpose, potentially collaborating with manufacturers who share my vision for promoting mental health.
FS: What made you design this particular type of work?
RS: I designed this type of work because I believe in the transformative power of mindful practices. The increasing stress levels in society due to constant connectivity and information overload motivated me to create a solution that encourages users to take a step back and reflect. The M sculpture is a direct response to these modern challenges.
FS: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
RS: Yes, I drew inspiration from various minimalist designs that prioritize user experience and emotional connection, such as Zen gardens and other mindfulness-based artifacts. Designers who incorporate nature and tranquility into their work have influenced my approach to creating a calming and meaningful experience through the M sculpture.
FS: Who is the target customer for his design?
RS: The target customers for the M sculpture include individuals seeking to enhance their mindfulness practices, those experiencing stress from modern life, and mental health practitioners who wish to incorporate innovative tools into their therapeutic practices. It appeals to a wide range of ages and backgrounds, particularly those who value personal growth and well-being.
FS: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
RS: What sets the M sculpture apart is its interactive, evolving nature that responds to the user’s meditation frequency. Unlike static mindfulness products, M grows and changes, creating a unique relationship between the user and the sculpture. This dynamic aspect encourages users to engage with it regularly, making mindfulness a more integrated part of their lives.
FS: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
RS: The name M represents the concepts of memory and mindfulness, capturing the essence of the product's purpose. It symbolizes the idea that through meditation and reflection, individuals can cultivate and evolve their memories and experiences into something meaningful and beautiful.
FS: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
RS: I utilized a variety of design tools during the development of the M sculpture, including CAD software for 3D modeling, sketching tools for conceptual designs, and prototyping technologies to create physical models. User feedback platforms were also crucial for gathering insights throughout the design process.
FS: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
RS: The most unique aspect of the M sculpture is its ability to physically evolve based on the user’s meditation habits. This interactive feature not only provides a visual representation of their mindfulness journey but also motivates ongoing engagement, making the sculpture a living testament to personal growth.
FS: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
RS: I collaborated with mental health professionals and user experience researchers to ensure the design effectively promotes mindfulness and self-reflection. Additionally, I worked with technical experts in materials and production to realize the physical aspects of the sculpture.
FS: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
RS: Technology plays a supportive role in the M sculpture by enabling the tracking of user engagement. While the primary focus is on the physical object, integrating simple tech elements can provide feedback and insights into the user's meditation patterns, enhancing their overall experience.
FS: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
RS: Yes, the design was informed by research on the psychological benefits of mindfulness and meditation. I conducted surveys and interviews to understand user needs and challenges, which helped shape the functionality and emotional impact of the M sculpture.
FS: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
RS: One of the main challenges was ensuring that the sculpture remains engaging without overwhelming users. Balancing simplicity with functionality was essential. Additionally, developing a production process that maintains the design's integrity while being scalable posed logistical challenges.
FS: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
RS: I decided to submit the M sculpture to an international design competition to gain recognition and feedback from a broader audience. I believe that such platforms provide invaluable opportunities to connect with other designers and industry professionals, as well as validate the design within the design community.
FS: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
RS: Throughout the design process, I learned the importance of integrating user feedback at every stage. This experience reinforced my commitment to user-centered design principles and highlighted the need for adaptability in the creative process.
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
RS: I would like to emphasize the significance of design as a tool for enhancing mental well-being. The M Self Evolved Personal Memory Sculpture aims to remind individuals of the importance of introspection in a fast-paced world, offering a tangible way to cultivate mindfulness and promote a healthier mental state.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A' Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
| SOCIAL |
| + Add to Likes / Favorites | Send to My Email | Comment | View Press-Release |
