Objects in Motion

improving hybrid living practises

2023

project overview

As hybrid living has become widely adopted in recent years, many of us have been confined to our living spaces, in rooms often serving multiple functions. Distracted by technology and oblivious to our physical surroundings, we can lose a sense of place and time.

Objects in Motion explores ways of inviting new environments into our homes that provoke a change in thought and behaviour, helping us establish healthy boundaries between activities and escape the confinement of our own homes.

how it works

A shadow carousel and scent carousel work in unison to deliver three distinct environments at set intervals throughout the day.

The scents and shadow profiles can be personalised to create unique and meaningful sensory experiences that elicit strong emotional responses, prompting users to take regular breaks.

The devices activate, through the use of an ultrasonic sensor, when a person is present. They synchronise over bluetooth, releasing scents and projecting shadows every 20 minutes - starting strong before fading away to prevent a loss of sensitivity to the environments being created.

the interplay between
scents and shadows

Shadows invite imagination and contemplation, allowing the mind to wander and explore, while smells can evoke immediate and instinctive reactions, making them highly influential in shaping our experiences and perceptions.

use case scenarios

morning
morning linen
laundry hanging

midday
brewed coffee
pedestrians passing

mid-afternoon
freshly cut grass
swaying branches

Based on user testing, I developed a sensory profile to demonstrate the effectiveness of the system, creating environments to signify: morning, midday and mid-afternoon