ZERO 2.0 MINDFULNESS PROJECT
Student project for the North-West University in South Africa
Year: 2014
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This project is inspired by the influence of digital devices and social media on our society, in particular students.
Through research I discovered that this state of constant multi-tasking not only puts our short-term memory under attack, but also reduces our attention span. This is alarming news for a community of students.
We can however reduce these effects by learning how to focus on the task at hand. This is the essence of being mindful. Therefore I created Zero 2.0, which primary function is to raise awareness and promote digital detox. Digital detox is a period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers. It’s regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress & focus on social interaction in the physical world. The campaign provides people with options for attention -and time substituting activities which are both relaxing and fun to do.
MATERIALS
With this project I was inspired by crafts, in particular the art of quilling. Quilling is a process in which small strips of paper are used to create patterns. This is again inspired by mindfulness, as working with your hands is not only rewarding, it also forces you to refrain from electronic devices and focus on the task at hand.
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For the online identity I used photography as a medium, and crafted my own banner by the use of quilling. All photographs are taken with a cellphone camera, as I believe this is what our generation is all about – about creating and communicating in an instant with the devices we use every day.
Application of identity on social media.
Online Profile
A BLANK PAGE DOES MORE TO THE IMAGINATION
Zero 2.0 Activity Book
This booklet is filled with mindfulness activities and tips. It is to be handed out on campus, to provide students with device-substituting activities which are both fun and relaxing to do.
In addition, the booklet provides space for notes and doodles.
Mandala Quilling Activity
This promotional item provides the audience with an intricate mandala design to quil. Small strips of paper can be pasted into the lines etched on the board to create the artwork. Afterwards it can be hung against the wall, as a reminder to do something creative.
A mandala is a geometric figure representing the universe in Buddhist and Hindu symbolism.
COLOUR ME
Colouring poster
Colouring is a great way to relax, to be quiet, and to let the mind drift. This poster is designed to be distributed in courtyards and public spaces, where one can colour for a bit whilst waiting for class. The poster is meant to be left in the courtyard to be used by the next person, therefore making it a communal 'doodle' poster.
