Studie(ro) i ett rum : Produktgestaltning för studenters stresshantering genom en fysisk rumsavskiljare

Sammanfattning

Stress and unease are common among university students, particularly due to boundaryless studying and home environments that blur the distinction between academic work and recovery. For students living in small accommodations, the same space is often used for studying, sleeping, and leisure, which can increase cognitive load and hinder recovery. The aim of this study was to develop a design solution that supports students in reducing perceived stress and creating clearer boundaries between studying and recovery within the home environment.The project was conducted within the Industrial Design Engineering programme at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) and followed the user-centred Double Diamond framework. Data collection included a literature review, benchmarking, a survey involving 76 students, semi-structured interviews with the Student Health Service, and interviews with materials researchers. Workshops, brainstorming sessions, and iterative prototype testing were also conducted with the target group to identify user needs and evaluate design concepts.The findings revealed that many students struggle to separate academic activities from leisure time at home. Digital solutions were often perceived as ineffective, as smartphones themselves were considered a major source of distraction. Consequently, a physical and space-efficientroom divider was developed. The concept consists of an expandable structure that shields visual distractions while maintaining natural light and a sense of openness.The developed design solution addresses the project aim by providing a tangible tool that reduces environmental distractions and supports the mental transition between focused work and rest. Future research should focus on long-term testing in student housing environments and further development of the product’s structure and mobility.