The original Mynd Space is an enclosed, circular, and transportable area that can be set up on any location big enough to hold a a small dome. We intend there to be at least one Mynd Space on each campus. The space is made from air-crete. The inside of the Mynd Space consists of green-plant-walls, which provides a biophilic atmosphere for the user. Additionally, in the center of the space, there is a cushion or a waterbed which can be used to meditate, relax, and experience all of one's senses. The top of the Mynd Space is open, meaning users can observe the sky in addition to the plants around them (in the case sunshade is needed, an awning would be accessible). Additionally there is a small box with art supplies which students can use for journaling and creativity. This design addresses Jasmine's needs of having her own space that feels separate from school, being able to practice mindfulness in nature, and having access to art.
Ideation: how might we create a natural space that feels separate from school"
Create a transportable dome with an open roof through through which natural light enters. The walls are covered with plants, water is heard, and in the center is a space for pure relaxation and recharge.
Create an area within school that feels like an oasis.
Make an outdoor space that is comfortable and accessible for students to hang out in.
Testing:
To test out the Mynd space we showed the users our images and talked them through the experience of using the space, including small experiential details such as booking the space before using it. Testers tended to like the idea of having a place where they could be alone and feel separated from the campuses. They also liked how it gave them a space to intentionally focus on themselves, their thoughts, and their senses. One point that people tended to disagree on was whether to have it be only used for booking or not. While some people thought that it would improve how comfortable they felt in the space, others worried that booking might prohibit it from serving the population that needs it the most. One of the major pieces of feedback that we heard from several users was some uncomfortableness with the idea of the waterbed. Testers expressed both concerns about hygiene as well as concerns that people would be using the space for the wrong purposes.
Iterating:
This space was not iterated, however, the core idea of the space as a sensory refuge for quietude was later translated into the 5C Collective, in the "quiet space," and finally into the Mindfulness Space in the Vault.