The Blue Sky Thinker
Work or Play, or Both? ↓
Academic Project, Royal College of Art
Why is thinking, not considered as work, and perceived as as a waste of time?
WHAT
A fidget spinner for the mind > A visual representation of thinking:
Through this project, I reflect on creative work and the “flow state” beyond the productivity point of view and consider the experiential, inspirational, and aesthetical aspects during the process of thinking.
Context: Our perception of time depends on what we are doing and how we’re feeling. It is closely connected to the level of engagement that stems from boredom or enjoyment in a particular activity. Time seems to move faster when we “play” than “work.”
Creative work is often associated with being subjective and different from conventional “9to5” jobs. A large chunk of this process involves thinking making it incredibly hard to quantify the work(thinking).
HOW
Inspired by the window and the act of staring out of it when we think, this piece intends to resemble moving clouds so that one can stare into it and continue thinking. It is connected to pressure sensors, wherein when people tap their feet, the discs start moving and compel them to stare at it.
It integrates the subtle micro-motions of our bodies—like tapping, finger movements, or swiveling in a chair—during moments of deep thought. These fidgety actions activate the circular movements of the discs, allowing users to lose themselves in thought, much like gazing out of a window and reflecting quietly.
WHY
This object transforms fidgeting into a contemplative experience, blending body movements with visual stimuli to foster reflection. In a world focused on productivity, it emphasizes the beauty of creative flow and the fluid perception of time.
By mimicking the act of staring at drifting clouds, it offers a quiet space for deep thought—reminding us that the unquantifiable moments of introspection are integral to creativity.
Behind The Scenes
Work In Progress > Materials - Acrylic, Posi Print Screen Film Structural Inspiration > Felipe Pantone’s kinetic structures
Inspiration for Structure >>
I have tried to mimic Felipe Pantone's kinetic sculptures, which transform motion into immersive visual experiences to achieve a visual experience for the users.
