IDM Thesis [Work-in-Progress]

All Work, No Play features a series of small, wall mounted inflatables that inflate and deflate based on user interaction. The work is intended to serve as an urban intervention, inviting passersby to take a break from their everyday work and simply play. Partially inspired by the work of the Situationists and their urban interventions, this work challenges viewers to reconsider the invisible structures that dictate work, play, and participation in public space.

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Role: Researcher, Designer, Fabricator
Tools: Arduino, Sensors, LEDs, Textiles, Mixed Media
Timeline: Ongoing (Master’s Thesis)

Brief

For my master’s thesis, I am designing an interactive installation that explores agency, control, work, and play.

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Approach

To develop this project, I:

• Researched psychological flow, game design, and interactive storytelling, as well as looked at other influences, such as Situationist International
• Prototyped textile-based inflatables
• Experimented with different 3D modeling and fabrication software for pattern-making
• Designed an experience that encourages collaboration, making the installation respond more powerfully when multiple users interact.

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Impact & Reflection

This project is a culmination of my interests in interactive design, materiality, and audience agency. It has deepened my understanding of how physical objects and digital systems can shape perception and behavior. Ultimately, my goal is to create an experience that engages, challenges, and empowers participants—leaving them to question who, or what, is truly in control.

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