“Interaction Design is a dialogue between people, products and contexts”
A glimpse into the foundations of design, aesthetics, and the interaction design framework by Bill Verplank introduced the team to innovative approaches for transforming abstract concepts into concrete models of interaction. By integrating metaphors and human contexts—physical, cultural, and historical—they explored feedback loops between people and responsive artefacts to create meaningful interactions.
Asked to design an interactive artifact related to the students’ experience of moving to Bergamo and adjusting to life at CIID, the team found common ground on the topic of managing stress while being in demanding academic/professional environments. The primary goal became about choreographing moments of disconnect from the classroom to help students feel more embodied in their daily lives.
“How might we help students cope with feelings of overwhelm during their 9-to-5 workdays so that they can release distressing emotions and find a sense of comfort”
The team bodystormed various forms of stress relief, from nurturing gestures like hugging to intense ones such as punching bags with stress gauges. This exercise helped the team recognise the importance of creating a personal and discreet interaction with an artefact that guides students to reconnect with their bodies in moments of distress. Breathing interactions naturally emerged given their intrinsic connection to physical and emotional grounding.
After explorations with various materials and form factors, the team developed Respirare, a pod-shaped artefact that fits comfortably in the palms and pocket. Ideal for use in public spaces, Respirare is a mutually nurturing companion who offers an inconspicuous way to alleviate distress and reset.
Respirare’s interaction design includes the following features:
Grounded in interaction design principles, Respirare enables students to self-regulate emotionally within demanding academic environments.
