Recharge Rooms
Overview
Studio Elsewhere's Recharge Rooms are immersive, biophilic private spaces. They feature music, scent, lighting, and sound, all designed to support the well-being and recovery of care providers. The design is backed and supported by research from the Abilities Research Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
As a creative technologist and designer, I played a crucial role on-site during the pandemic. My responsibilities included installing and troubleshooting the systems, interfacing directly with staff, and providing educational support. Additionally, I played a part in designing and iterating the experiences based on real-time feedback and needs, further enhancing the effectiveness and outreach of our solutions.
Problem Space
During the height of the pandemic, healthcare professionals faced unprecedented levels of stress, burnout, and trauma, necessitating the need for innovative design solutions. The strain of long hours, constant exposure to suffering, and the fear of contracting the virus themselves led to a significant increase in mental health issues. Therefore, a design solution that could provide a respite and enhance well-being was crucial during this challenging time.
- Rising levels of burnout among healthcare professionals due to increased workload and emotional stress.
- Increased incidence of stress and associated mental health issues among hospital staff due to the high-pressure environment exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- A significant increase in cases of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among hospital workers who are on the frontline of the COVID-19 response.
- Trauma experienced by healthcare professionals due to constant exposure to death and suffering, and the fear of contracting the virus themselves.
- Lack of access to nature and the outdoors, as healthcare professionals often work long hours indoors, which can negatively impact their mental well-being.
- Overall deterioration of healthcare professionals' quality of life, including physical health, mental health, and social relationships, due to the demanding and stressful work environment during the pandemic.
Process
- Incorporated user feedback in real-time to continuously iterate and refine the design of the Recharge Room, enhancing its effectiveness and user satisfaction.
- Performed extensive troubleshooting to identify and rectify any technical issues that arose, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
- Tested various ideas and made necessary adjustments to optimize the room's design and functionality.
- Utilized my background in video and sound to develop captivating content that would enhance the overall user experience.
- Installed the physical components of the Recharge Room, ensuring each piece was aligned with the overall vision of the space.
- Created a dynamic soundscapes that complemented other sensory elements within the room, utilizing my expertise in sound design.
Outcomes
An independent peer-reviewed study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, was conducted on frontline healthcare workers using our Recharge Rooms during the COVID-19 surge in New York. After a single 15-minute experience in Studio Elsewhere’s Recharge Room, participants experienced an average 60.0% reduction in self-reported stress levels. Subsequent studies continue to be conducted with leading research institutions.
