This project explores how visual design can shape both how people feel and how their bodies respond. I wanted to better understand the connection between what we see, how we emotionally react, and what actually happens inside our bodies — like changes in attention or relaxation levels.

To do this, I designed a series of mandala patterns with different levels of complexity and worked with teenagers to see how these designs influenced their preferences and brainwave activity. The goal was to explore how small design decisions — like how detailed or simple an image is — can affect both what people like and how calm or focused they feel.

The research didn’t just stay theoretical. It led to a printed coloring book based on the findings, showing how design, research, and real-life applications can come together to improve user experience and well-being.

Role: Visual Material Design · Experimental Setup · Data Analysis Support · Publication Design

The study revealed that participants generally preferred representational images over abstract geometric ones. For geometric designs, low to medium complexity received more positive impressions, while representational images with medium to high complexity were favored for their visual appeal.

Interestingly, when looking at physiological responses, personal drawing preferences didn’t seem to significantly influence attention or relaxation levels. However, the brainwave data showed that high-complexity images had a stronger positive effect on relaxation than expected.

This project gave me a deeper understanding of how design can shape user experience beyond usability — influencing not only visual preference but also attention, emotional response, and even measurable physiological states. It strengthened my belief that thoughtful design decisions, supported by both subjective and objective insights, can meaningfully impact how people feel and engage with what they see.