Interview about Mood Tree Desktop Memo Holder, winner of the A' Art and Stationery Supplies Design Award 2023
Imagine expressing your daily moods with a simple piece of paper on a tree! Mood tree is a unique memo holder with a different memo design; every paper has 2 different colors: Rose at the top representing happiness, and yellow at the bottom representing sadness. You can use the memos whenever you like and when you dispose of them, you will put them on the face that represents your mood now. Or you can flip an old paper to express your current mood. It can serve from one person up to seven.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe inspiration for the Mood Tree stemmed from my fascination with Japanese culture and its emphasis on subtle communication and emotional balance. Bonsai trees, with their intricate forms and serene beauty, symbolize harmony, patience, and the interconnectedness of all things. I wanted to capture this essence and translate it into a functional object that could enhance workplace well-being.The design process involved a deep dive into Japanese aesthetics and the psychology of color. I chose a minimal design language, inspired by traditional Japanese minimalism, to create a calming and focused workspace. The color palette for the memos was carefully selected to evoke specific emotions: soft pink for happiness and warm yellow for sadness. These colors are universally recognized and can be easily interpreted, making the Mood Tree accessible to people from diverse cultural backgrounds.By incorporating Bonsai symbolism and a thoughtful color scheme, the Mood Tree aims to foster a more empathetic and harmonious workplace environment. It encourages users to express their emotions openly and respectfully, leading to better communication and stronger relationships.
The choice of WoodPLAy Wood Fill PLA was a deliberate decision to enhance the tactile and visual experience of the Mood Tree. This material, with its natural wood-like appearance and feel, evokes a sense of warmth and tranquility, aligning perfectly with the calming nature of Bonsai trees. The subtle scent of wood further contributes to a more immersive and sensory experience, inviting users to connect with the natural world.Furthermore, the biodegradable nature of WoodPLAy resonates with the product's underlying message of sustainability and mindfulness. It encourages users to be conscious of their environmental impact while expressing their emotions. By incorporating this eco-friendly material, the Mood Tree becomes more than just a functional object; it becomes a symbol of harmony between human emotions and the natural world.
My background in architecture and gamification played a pivotal role in shaping the Mood Tree's unique approach to non-verbal communication. As an architect, I am trained to consider the spatial and experiential aspects of design. I applied this knowledge to the Mood Tree by creating a visually appealing and functional object that could enhance the user's workspace. The Bonsai tree form, with its intricate branches and calming presence, was inspired by architectural principles of proportion, balance, and harmony.Gamification, on the other hand, provided the framework for designing an engaging and interactive experience. By incorporating elements of game design, such as (Trophy shelf: game technique in which you have something that communicates instead of you), the Mood Tree encourages users to actively participate in their emotional expression. The color-coded memos serve as a playful way to track and share one's moods, making the process enjoyable and effortless.The fusion of architecture and gamification in the Mood Tree creates a unique and innovative solution for non-verbal communication in professional settings. By combining form and function, aesthetics and interactivity, the Mood Tree fosters a more positive and empathetic workplace culture.
The choice of rose and yellow as the emotional indicators for the Mood Tree's dual-colored memos was informed by extensive research into color psychology and workplace dynamics. Rose, a soft and nurturing color, is often associated with feelings of joy, love, and compassion. It is a positive and optimistic color that can uplift the mood and create a sense of warmth and connection. Yellow, on the other hand, is associated with optimism, clarity, and energy. However, it can also evoke feelings of anxiety and stress. By pairing these two colors together, the Mood Tree offers a subtle yet powerful way to express a range of emotions, from pure joy to subdued sadness. By understanding the psychological impact of color, I aimed to create a tool that could foster empathy, understanding, and effective communication in the workplace. The dual-colored memos encourage users to acknowledge and express their emotions honestly, leading to healthier and more productive work environments.
The most challenging aspect of designing the Mood Tree was striking a balance between practicality and emotional impact. As a functional object, the memo holder needed to be sturdy, reliable, and easy to use. However, as a tool for emotional expression, it had to be visually appealing, evocative, and meaningful.To achieve this balance, I focused on creating a design that was both simple and sophisticated. The minimalist form of the Bonsai tree, combined with the subtle color palette of the memos, creates a calming and serene atmosphere. The tactile experience of using the wooden memo holder further enhances the emotional impact of the product.By carefully considering the interplay between form and function, aesthetics and utility, the Mood Tree aims to be more than just a memo holder. It is a thoughtful and innovative tool that can help individuals to express themselves more authentically and connect with others on a deeper level.
The collaborative aspect of the Mood Tree evolved organically during the design process. Initially, I envisioned it as a personal tool for individual reflection and expression. However, as I delved deeper into the concept, I realized the potential for fostering a shared emotional space within teams and workgroups.By designing the Mood Tree to accommodate up to seven users, I aimed to create a visual representation of the collective emotional landscape of a team. The arrangement of the branches and the distribution of the memos encourage interaction and empathy among team members. It becomes a shared canvas where individuals can express their feelings, both positive and negative, without fear of judgment.This collaborative aspect not only enhances the functionality of the Mood Tree but also elevates it to a social and emotional tool. It promotes a sense of belonging, understanding, and support within teams, the final form has 7 branches to allow that.
Kokuyo's mission to support individual expression was a key driver for the Mood Tree's design. The dual-colored memo system, inspired by Kokuyo's philosophy, encourages authentic self-expression. The minimalist design and tactile experience enhance the product's emotional impact. The collaborative aspect, enabling shared emotional expression, aligns with Kokuyo's focus on teamwork and community. By combining form and function, the Mood Tree fosters a positive and productive work environment.
The Mood Tree exemplifies gamification by turning a simple task into a game-like experience. By using color-coded memos, it encourages users to actively participate in expressing their emotions. This gamified approach transforms a potentially mundane activity into a fun and engaging way to improve workplace communication and emotional well-being. It addresses social issues like workplace stress and lack of emotional expression by providing a playful and non-threatening way to share feelings, fostering a more positive and empathetic work environment.
The Mood Tree concept can evolve to address other social challenges by extending its application beyond the workplace. For instance, it could be adapted for educational settings to foster emotional intelligence and communication skills among students. In healthcare, it could be used to help patients express their feelings and needs more effectively. Additionally, the Mood Tree could be tailored to specific cultural contexts, incorporating local symbols and colors to resonate with diverse communities. By expanding its reach and versatility, the Mood Tree can continue to promote emotional well-being and foster stronger connections between individuals.
During the testing phase, some unexpected insights emerged about human interaction and emotional expression. One key finding was that the Mood Tree not only facilitated individual emotional expression but also fostered a sense of community and shared experience within teams. People often engaged in conversations about their moods, leading to deeper connections and increased empathy. Additionally, the visual representation of emotions on the Mood Tree sparked discussions about workplace culture and well-being, encouraging organizations to prioritize emotional intelligence and mental health. These unexpected benefits highlight the potential of the Mood Tree to not only address individual needs but also contribute to a more positive and supportive work environment.
Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.
