A research-through-design exploration of how personalized ceramic objects can support everyday stress relief through tactile interaction.
Warm Stone
1.Project Overview
Chronic stress is a widespread issue, and many digital well-being solutions risk creating additional screen fatigue or cognitive overload. WarmStone explores an alternative: non-digital, tactile comfort objects crafted from clay. Through a series of ceramic-making workshops and follow-up interviews, the project identifies the tactile features, shapes, textures, and usage patterns that support moment-to-moment stress regulation.
Journey Map
2.My Role
Research
Designed the interview guide and conducted participant interviews.
Performed thematic analysis, including open coding and theme development.
Synthesized workshop observations into design patterns for haptic comfort.
Workshop Facilitation
Assisted in documentation throughout ceramic workshops (video, photos, observation notes).
Design & Prototyping
Developed the texture and shape exploration system used to analyze participant-created objects.
Designed the visual/tactile classification framework that structures the Results section.
Writing & Paper Contribution
Drafted parts of the Results section, especially findings on texture, shape, and interaction patterns.
3.Research Question
RQ1: Which shapes, textures, and in-hand interactions of ceramic objects provide the strongest sense of haptic comfort?
RQ2: How do individuals integrate handcrafted tactile objects into everyday work routines for stress management?
4. Methodology
4.1 Participatory Ceramic Workshops
20 stressed office workers participated.
Activities: warm-up, tactile exploration, ceramic technique introduction, and individual creation of 5+ WarmStones.
Documentation insights later informed the design patterns.
4.2 Four-Week Daily Use
Participants carried and used their WarmStones during daily work and personal routines.
4.3 Semi-Structured Interviews
45–60 minutes each.
Explored stress habits, WarmStone use, and reflections on crafting.
4 Thematic + Material-Based Analysis
Combined coding of interviews with physical examination of textures, forms, and interaction features.
5.Key Findings
5.1 Texture, Shape & Interaction Patterns
Preferred textures: smooth → softly undulating → gentle grainy.
Preferred shapes: rounded, pebble-like, plate-shaped; ergonomic fit is essential.
Ideal size: palm- or pocket-sized with noticeable, grounding weight.
5.3 Crafting as Mindful Practice
Clay work fostered focus, playfulness, and non-judgmental creativity.
Participants described the making process itself as calming and grounding.
5.2 Everyday Micro-Interactions
Participants used WarmStones during:
Work meetings
Long concentration sessions
Stressful conversations
Commuting
Bedtime routines
The stones served both as silent fidget tools and visual reminders to slow down.
This paper—WarmStone: Craft Your Calm with Personalized Ceramics—is currently under review for DRS 2026.