What's Going on in There
Background
We designed an interactive exhibit exploring how caffeine and sleep affect the brain. After 7 weeks of research, prototyping, and testing, we created a hands-on experience where participants visually connect their habits to brain functions, encouraging reflection on daily choices and their impact on cognitive health.
My role
Key contributor in a team of 4. Contributed creative concepts, prototyped interactive elements, and designed key visuals. Helped refine the pinboard model, conducted user testing, and documented the design process for clarity and accessibility.
AUDIENCE
College students (particularly those who frequently consume caffeine or engage in irregular sleep patterns)
Educators and health professionals etc.
Role
Implementer & Idea Generator
Guided by
Sheila Pontis
Date
Nov - Dec 2024
Category
Information Design
Collaborator
Carmen Quintos / Yi-Ting Chen / Ravi Prasad
What's Going on in There
RESEARCH & TOPIC SELECTION
From Broad Ideas to a Focused Topic
We started by exploring various themes related to food chemistry, neuroscience, and health behaviors. As we mapped potential directions, we realized the importance of addressing college students’ daily habits and their impact on brain health.
Defining the Focus
Through structured brainstorming, we refined our scope to how caffeine and sleep affect cognitive function. We chose this topic because it directly impacts incoming college freshmen, who often experience irregular sleep schedules and high caffeine consumption. Understanding these effects could help students make healthier choices as they transition into university life.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
brainstorming
We brainstormed multiple ways to present our research interactively. Initial ideas included a board game, a freshman orientation activity, and a brochure or quiz-based system.
After testing different formats, we selected a pinboard model with rubber bands as our core interaction. This approach allows participants to visually map their caffeine and sleep habits to brain regions, making the effects tangible and easy to understand. To complement this, we designed result cards, playing cards, and a new brain diagram.
To enhance the experience, we designed:
Result cards and playing cards providing feedback on brain function.
A color-coded system linking habits to cognitive and emotional outcomes.
A simplified brain diagram to clarify complex neurological processes.
PROTOTYPING & USER TESTING
Building and Refining Prototypes
We developed 2D and 3D prototypes, testing different materials and interaction methods. The color-coded rubber band system was introduced to visually represent the impact of sleep and caffeine habits on brain function.
User Feedback & Iteration
Testing with our cohort, neuroscience students and college freshmen helped us refine:
Scientific accuracy – ensuring correct labeling of brain regions.
Instructional clarity – simplifying user interactions and improving engagement.
Visual hierarchy – enhancing readability and intuitive navigation.
FINAL DESIGN & PRESENTATION
what's going on in there
Our exhibit is designed to guide participants through an interactive journey that helps them understand how caffeine consumption and sleep affect the brain. The experience follows a step-by-step process, moving from awareness to self-reflection.
step 1
Understanding the Issue
Participants begin by learning about our exhibit’s goals and the prevalence of caffeine consumption and sleep deprivation among college students.
step 2
Exploring Brain Function
Participants are introduced to key brain regions and their functions, which are the foundation for the hands-on activity.
step 3
Interactive Experience: Build a Brain
Participants engage in a four-step activity to explore their own habits:
Draw a Card – Participants pick a card with a question about their caffeine intake or sleep habits. Each answer corresponds to a specific color-coded rubber band (e.g., red, yellow, green, blue).
Map the Connection – They attach the rubber band to brain regions, visually illustrating how their habits impact brain function.
Analyze the Brain – Participants step back and observe which color appears most frequently, reflecting the dominant effect on their brain.
Get Feedback – They read the result card corresponding to their dominant color, providing insights into their cognitive health and strategies for improvement.
step 4
Group Insights
At the end of the experience, participants can place a sticker on a collective board, showing how their habits compare to others.
Takeaways
Refining Complexity into Clarity
We started with a broad topic and iteratively narrowed it down to focus on caffeine and sleep’s effects on the brain. This process taught me how to synthesize diverse ideas into a focused, impactful narrative.
Prototyping & Iteration Matter
Through multiple rounds of testing and feedback, we refined the interaction mechanics, visual clarity, and scientific accuracy. Small changes—like adding illustrations on the cards—enhanced both usability and engagement.
Balancing Creativity with Feasibility
While I enjoy pushing creative boundaries (like the unfinished version of panels), this project taught me the importance of grounding ideas in practicality. Some ambitious ideas evolved into more workable, engaging solutions through team discussions.
Collaboration & Teamwork
At the end, I want to thank my amazing teammates—Carmen, Ravi, and Yi-Ting. Each of us brought unique strengths, from creative leadership to technical precision. I deeply appreciate Carmen’s organization, Ravi’s innovative mechanics, and Yi-Ting’s expertise in visual execution. Working together taught me the importance of balancing ideas, adapting designs, and refining through teamwork.