This project investigated the question of "How would it be like to bring outdoor experiences indoors?"; with a focus on urban public places where people need personal space and the feeling of nature more than usual. In this experimental project, I worked together with three other teammates, Arnoud Meines (Product Designer), Peter de Jong (Strategic Designer) and Xin Cheng (Interaction Designer) in the project where I conducted interviews and further took part in analysis of them. Throughout the whole project I was responsible for the conceptualisation of the idea and visual communication of the final design.
1. Research: Interviews & Storytelling
For the research phase, we interviewed 12 people who like to spend their spare time in the nature. Further we asked them the things they have with themselves while they are in the nature and make photos of those. This helped us to visually tell how a journey of outdoor vagabonds look like and we used those stories as a source of inspiration. Building on top of these, we individually ideated about the possible design directions which can be used for everyday people. One of the strong ideas was carrying the feeling of being in the nature into city life. As one of the outdoor vagabonds that we interviewed put it: peace of mind, being nowhere but feeling alive with all of your cells. Thus, we moved on with the question of how can we bring the "being in the nature state-of-mind" to city life?
2. Conceptualisation: Sketch!
One of the most predominant idea we found was to surround people who are in the middle of city life with nature. This kind of an experience would surprise people and also give the feeling of being in the nature. Furthermore, it would provide a moment of pause in the rush of city life for individuals to have a relaxing moment.
3. Final Design Concept: Outdome
Outdome is a product installation that can be placed in indoor public spaces (shopping malls, airports, train stations etc.) to provide the feeling of being in the nature for individuals. With a subtle nature sound, Outdome is the place that visitors would choose when they want to stop and enjoy the moment. Together with its plants that require small amount of water, maintenance of the design can be made during night time where the spaces are relatively empty.
