Q Studio by AHA Agency | Creative Design Agency Work
Normalising quiet time.
Often unnoticed, mental health is a silent struggle that impacts a significant portion of the human population, particularly within a corporate environment. Stress plays a significant role in contributing to this problem. Failing to address this with utmost priority can lead to lasting and irreversible effects.
NORMALISING
QUIET TIME
Often unnoticed, mental health is a silent struggle that impacts a significant portion of the human population, particularly within a corporate environment. Stress plays a significant role in contributing to this problem. Failing to address this with utmost priority can lead to lasting and irreversible effects.
Corporations sometimes try to address these concerns by launching mental wellness programs that lack a solid framework, which is ineffective in the long run. These initiatives yield minimal results and substantially impact morale, productivity, health, family, and more.
Stress is an enduring reality; there’s no escaping it, and no magic silver bullet can eliminate stress from this equation.
But is this acceptable? How can we continue perpetuating this cycle of apathy?
One-size-fits-all wellness programs cannot address issues unanimously. People are built differently, and their capability to deal with and manoeuvre through day-to-day stress differs.
So, when issues are personal, why aren’t solutions personalised?
Individuals’ quiet time preferences vary, and a solution that is bespoke and tailored to the needs of each person is essential.
This realisation uncovered a significant gap, and Q Studio aimed to fill that space with a two-pronged approach.
First, to foster a positive culture around mental well-being, helping individuals navigate workplace challenges and helping individuals be more resilient and confident.
Second, to normalise breaks and stimulate more workplace discussions on stress and mental well-being.
INJECTING AHA IN THE IDEAS
While the intent was to bring about change, the question was how.
While the space was already cluttered with multiple apps like meditation, yoga, and personal wellness, there wasn’t a single platform that bridged the gap between the online and offline worlds. Therefore, competing in the market with similar solutions wasn’t going to be effective.
This led us to delve deeper and seek studies and research papers that could validate the idea and the need for it and lead us to the moment of truth.
Discovery 1:
Many people felt guilty about taking breaks. In the fast-paced professional environment, a prevailing culture often values constant productivity and perceives breaks as a hindrance to work. Individuals may fear being judged or viewed as less committed if they prioritise taking breaks for self-care or relaxation. We came across some astounding studies,
of employees don’t feel encouraged to take a lunch break.
employees said guilt is the reason they don’t take any breaks.
people say they only occasionally, rarely, or never take breaks.
Discovery 2:
While it was widely accepted and even normalised for individuals to take breaks for smoking or caffeine consumption, there was a noticeable stigma or hesitation associated with taking breaks for mental well-being. Employees often felt reluctant to step away from their tasks to prioritise their mental health, fearing judgement or being perceived as less dedicated to their work.
Discovery 3:
The importance of taking pauses often eluded many working professionals who underestimated the profound impact of brief breaks on their overall well-being and productivity. In the relentless pursuit of meeting deadlines and achieving targets, individuals frequently neglected the significance of stepping back and allowing themselves moments of respite.
Discovery 4:
We discovered something called the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method that revolved around structured breaks. The technique was about taking a 5-minute break every 25 minutes; these intervals are known as “Pomodoros.” The approach acknowledged the human brain’s limited ability to maintain focus for extended periods.
By incorporating regular breaks into the work routine, the Pomodoro Technique aimed to enhance productivity, reduce mental fatigue, and foster a sense of accomplishment.
From all these discoveries, our winning idea emerged—microbreaks. This realisation made us understand that normalising breaks was essential to disrupt the stress cycle and foster a healthier environment.
Consequently, it led to the creation of an environment centred around mindfulness.
Hence, Q Studio was born – a phygital space crafted for individuals to take breaks, reflect, recharge, and #BeYourBestFriend.
TAKING THE IDEA TO THE CONSUMERS
VISUAL LANGUAGE and Identity:
The logo featured the alphabet Q as a logotype, where the circle symbolised the workplace in which people work and thrive, and the protruding tail represented a space or a moment where one can pause and take short breaks to de-stress, recharge and be a better version of themselves.
Q Studio’s visual language was meticulously crafted, drawing on the psychology of stress reduction through semiotics, fonts, designs and colours.
Embracing a sense of calm, the usage of teal and purple was carefully integrated, creating a visual atmosphere that promotes relaxation and well-being.
AppS:
The app was designed with empathy and inclusivity in mind. We paid careful attention to colour psychology, deliberately selecting soothing tones. In particular, inclusivity for those who are colour-blind was given top priority during the design process.
Each screen featured calm and positivity-inducing images and visuals, and every detail aimed at maintaining a calm ambience. Making usability frictionless and seamless.
Communication:
In our communication strategy, we embraced a monthly thematic approach tailored to connect with our audience profoundly. Each word, colour, and content piece underwent meticulous research and thoughtful consideration.
The emphasis was not only on imparting information but also on captivating attention.
By encouraging pauses and breaks, we cultivated a guilt-free zone, highlighting the significance of prioritising oneself.
The core idea was to communicate a message that was not just educational and inspiring but also inherently interesting.
This approach centres around effective communication, with supporting elements like colour and tone serving to enhance and reinforce the overarching concept.
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