Zenscape
Made with ❤️ by Rohit Ashok Khot, Jung-Ying (Lois) Yi, & Deepti Aggarwal
In the relentless world of continuous on-screen work, the importance of microbreaks for well-being, performance, and recovery cannot be overstated. Despite the known benefits, incorporating these brief respites into daily routines remains a formidable challenge. To usher in a transformative approach to microbreaks, we introduce Zenscape, an innovative tangible system designed not merely for productivity but to instill mindfulness through subtle reminders, manifested in the soothing water action and sound.
Our Constructive design approach fueled the evolution of Zenscape over a meticulous 5-month period, steered by a multidisciplinary team merging expertise in game design, digital health, and industrial design. Unlike digital interruptions that lack explicit physical and mental separation, Zenscape emerges as a tangible sanctuary, strategically disconnecting individuals from the relentless digital grind during microbreaks.
What makes Zenscape unique?
Inspired by the profound Zen Garden, a practice deeply rooted in meditation, we curated elements of white sand, stones, and water to craft a miniaturized Zen Garden for the workspace. The open-ended activities within, like raking the sand and arranging stones, offer a canvas for creativity during microbreaks, devoid of set rules yet laden with the therapeutic release of stress. Zenscape encapsulates the Zen principles of naturalness, simplicity, and austerity. It artfully incorporates metaphors of still and moving water, mirroring the yin and yang of work and leisure. The still water signifies stability and reflection, while the stirring water, initiated at the user's set intervals, beckons movement and introspection, catalyzing the inner resolution of work-related stress.
Zenscape in Action
Provocative
Zenscape dares to redefine the narrative surrounding microbreaks by infusing it with the wisdom of Zen philosophy. It stands as a pioneering beacon, challenging the conventional approach that places productivity at the forefront. Instead, Zenscape ventures into uncharted territory, elevating the microbreak experience to a realm where the focus is on the profound quality of these moments, transcending the mundane tick-tock of screen-centric work. In a world increasingly adapting to work-from-home dynamics, Zenscape not only acknowledges the distractions but also offers a profound solution. It acknowledges the absence of peer pressure at home, providing a gentle yet impactful reminder of the importance of returning to work. The relevance of Zenscape extends beyond the current work-from-home scenario, positioning itself as a forward-looking solution primed for the evolving landscape of hybrid work models post-COVID.
Grounded
Zenscape emerges as a grounded response to the prevailing challenges dictated by global circumstances. In a time when conventional avenues of relaxation and detachment from work stress have become elusive, Zenscape steps in as a tangible, Zen-inspired companion. It goes beyond the mere conceptualization of a solution; it seamlessly integrates into the fabric of contemporary work life, understanding the pulse of our current reality. Zenscape is not just an abstract idea but a tangible and thoughtful companion navigating the complexities of modern work environments. Its design is mindful, considering the nuances of the current global situation and the changing norms of work life. It stands as an embodiment of adaptability, responding to the call for holistic well-being amidst the hustle of digital workspaces.
Paradigm shift
Zenscape emerges as a groundbreaking stride towards a harmonious work-break equilibrium, presenting a unique solution to the challenges posed by the modern work environment. As the world navigates toward hybrid work models, Zenscape becomes a beacon of insight, showcasing the potential of tangible systems to usher in a healthier approach to work breaks in our digitally dominated lives.
Zenscape TEI 2022 conference presentation
Positive impact on participants
The field evaluation uncovered substantial positive outcomes. Users reported a newfound motivation to engage in regular microbreaks, resulting in an overall enhancement of well-being and productivity. The visual allure and incorporation of natural elements like sand and stones resonated particularly well, delivering a nostalgic and calming experience. Zenscape's physicality injected discipline into participants' work-break routines.
Contributions to Human-Computer Interaction
The research yields two critical contributions. Firstly, it offers deep insights into how Zenscape seamlessly integrates into individual work practices, shaping work-break routines. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for the development of metrics to assess microbreak system effectiveness. Secondly, the paper introduces three groundbreaking design considerations for future microbreak technologies: nature-driven recovery, spatial separation, and diversified work routines.
Research publications
Rohit Ashok Khot, Jung-Ying (Lois) Yi, and Deepti Aggarwal. 2022. Designing for Microbreaks: Unpacking the Design Journey of Zenscape. In Proceedings of the Sixteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction (TEI'20), ACM, 1-16.