The ANU Psychology Project
Client: ANU, School of Psychology
Year: 2023
Group Members: Antoinette Cait (Fabrication), Kai Tarakci (Digital modelling), Moby Westwood (Digital modelling, fabrication)
Project Brief
In this project, our primary concept was to design tangible products that elevate uninspiring study spaces into vibrant, motivational environments that actively support university students’ learning journeys. To understand how design impacts learning engagement, we conducted an in-depth case study of the School of Psychology at the Australian National University (ANU), examining its existing study areas to identify specific obstacles to active learning. Through this analysis, we uncovered design shortcomings, such as limited collaborative zones, minimal visual stimulation, and a lack of adaptable, student-centered spaces, all of which hinder the potential for dynamic engagement. Our goal was to address these issues by creating products that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of study spaces but also promote a more interactive and adaptable environment, making learning spaces at ANU both functional and inspiring. This project emphasizes the role of well-designed spaces in fostering a positive academic experience, encouraging creativity, focus, and a sense of community among students.
Process
To address the challenge of transforming disengaging study spaces, we drew not only from our own experiences but also from feedback from other students facing similar struggles. We learned that ineffective study environments often suffer from poor lighting and a lack of character, which hinders student engagement. With these insights, we mapped the journey of our target users—students affected by outdated and insufficient university spaces. This clarified the need to create adaptable solutions for a large, diverse student population. Our process then involved extensive sketching and producing low-fidelity prototypes, allowing us to refine ideas and ensure alignment with user needs. We also defined our context carefully: our designs would be most impactful in older campus buildings lacking modern updates, as redesigning entire buildings would limit transferability. Although we used the School of Psychology as a case study, we crafted solutions with broader applicability across university spaces, enabling our concepts to support active learning in a wide range of settings.
Prototyping
Prototyping
Outcomes
Our ideas to transform ineffective study spaces were; unique lighting fixtures and systems, a template for remodelling interiors, and engagingly themed wallpaper concepts.
Lighting
For our lighting concept, we researched how light influenced students' ability to study. We discovered that excessive lighting could be overstimulating and diminish focus, while insufficient lighting could induce fatigue and hinder learning. In many older buildings, lighting tended to be purely functional, lacking aesthetic consideration. We recognized that unique, thoughtfully designed lighting fixtures could enhance engagement and motivation. Consequently, we developed several designs inspired by the brain's neural network. The first concept was a 3D-printed or laser-cut lamp shaped like a neuron, suitable for wall, ceiling, hanging, or desk use. This design aligned with our goal of creating visually appealing and functional lighting with broad applicability. Our second concept featured a multi-functional 3D-printed lighting system that also served as an interactive wayfinding tool. This model included semi-transparent tubes lined with LEDs that traversed a building, coupled with an interactive screen in the lobby to guide students by illuminating their path to selected rooms.
Wallpaper concept
For our wallpaper concept, we explored the phenomenon of facial pareidolia, where individuals perceive familiar faces in abstract patterns. We aimed to harness this intriguing psychological effect to create engaging and stimulating environments for students. Through our research, we found that incorporating recognizable patterns into study spaces could enhance focus and foster a sense of connection. Inspired by this, we developed a wallpaper design that featured abstract shapes and patterns subtly evoking facial features, encouraging viewers to engage their imaginations while studying. This approach not only added visual interest but also contributed to a more inviting atmosphere. Our design was intended to be versatile, allowing for broad application across various learning environments while promoting creativity and a sense of belonging among students.
ArchiCAD Model
For our ArchiCAD model, we aimed to create a comprehensive template that showcased our design concepts in a realistic setting. The model served as a visualization tool, illustrating how our proposed interventions could transform existing study spaces within a building. By incorporating our lighting and wallpaper designs into the model, we demonstrated their practical application and aesthetic impact. This approach allowed us to simulate various configurations and environments, highlighting how our designs could enhance engagement and foster a motivating atmosphere for students. The ArchiCAD model not only provided a visual representation of our ideas but also acted as a valuable resource for stakeholders, showcasing the potential for innovative design solutions to improve learning environments effectively.