Getting a GRIP at the design of a nature inspired relaxation space for work-related stress

This paper presents the work that has been conducted as part of the GRIP project about work-related stress in combination with the nature inspired design consortium. After 1,5 years of extensive research on the GRIP project including contextual user research, gathering stress insights through probes and data visualisation, and co-creation with stress experts and
employees, it was finally decided to design an ambient space that enables employees to relax. The design of the relaxation space was inspired by nature and offers employees an adaptive environment that reacts to their
presence by creating a personal environment, varying in size, sounsdscape and animated light. The environment stimulates paced breathing, meditation and helps employees to become more aware and in control of
their personal response to stressors and relaxation. The design has been evaluated by 23 experts on the basis of one time use of the space. The expert evaluations resulted in very positive responses regarding the
low effort required and the high quality of the relaxation experience provided. We are currently collecting feedback from employees taking part in a prolonged end user evaluation to explore the value of small adaptations in
our design in order to further improve the relaxation experience.