Overview

Rental study blankets designed to provide users with warmth while also creating a visually relaxing environment for the user and people around that user.

The Problem

Many students that utilize public spaces to study may sometimes find these spaces chilly due to blasting air-conditioning in the summer or natural coldness seeping through window seams in the winter. Low temperatures tend to be the “most stressed aspect” when it comes to assessing comfort levels in academic buildings (Muhammad et al 2013, 1172). Studies show that the best temperature range for learning, reading, and maths is between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit, and these numbers differ slightly for each student (Schneider 2002, 6). While the simple solution is to wear more, bulkiness can become a stressor for many, and the varying temperatures in buildings make it difficult for students to dress for each space.

The Solution

Create a lightweight product that keeps its user warm and increases their productivity by reducing stress. It should be used by a college student in a public studying environment such as a library or a commons room. As the product should be used during study, it should be comfortable to touch and relaxing to look at in order to not further stress its user.

Design Process

Three spaces were chosen for this project: The League at U-M Central Campus, Pierpont Commons at U-M North Campus, and the HUB at Penn State University. These three spaces were chosen as they were primary spots for student gatherings on each campus.

STUDY BLAKETS

Use, Care, and Production

Although anybody can use these blankets in any space, they are designed for students to use in campus spaces. The concept of rental blankets best suit buildings with popular study spaces and information/service desks such as student unions or libraries. Students should be able to check out the blankets when they need and return it when they are finished. Staff should wash the blankets after every use for hygiene reasons, similar to towels at the gym.

For small scale use, wash the wool in cold water on “delicate” setting with wool-safe detergent and air dry, On a larger scale, it’s suggested to invest in O3 converters for washing machines to reduce costs and protect the material.

Because of the cost and care of materials, alternative materials may be used for production, though the quality of the product will likely decrease. However, if initial cost is not a barrier, the wool yarn can be treated with protective coating before production to lengthen the lifespan of the material.

Two inspiration mood boards were created in the initial design process - one board on spaces and another on blankets/comforters. A variety of student spaces from US universities were chosen. Kotatsus were a main subject for the latter due to their traditional use to keep users warm in a non-bedroom space.

U-M League

PSU HUB

Color - Development and Execution

Each blanket is designed for each of the three student space.

Grey yarn is used for the warp to set a neutral tone for the blanket. Sprinkle dyed yarn is used for the weft to create a linear vein pattern. The colors used for the weft are chosen to match colors found in the space the blanket should be used for, whereas colors used for embellishments are chosen to compliment the colors found in the space.

Material - Development and Execution

To provide maximum comfort, each blanket is comprised of 50% wool (weft) and 50% cotton (warp) with mixed material embellishments sprinkled. Wool was chosen due to its ability to insulate and absorb moisture, while cotton was chosen as a blanket of 100% natural wool would weight too much. Embellishments are woven irregularly to create a unique texture that should be relaxing to touch.

Color and Material - Research

Because the body’s thermoregulation is less active when the person is not moving, such as when he or she is studying, the bedding textile covering the body should create a “microenvironment” around the body that differs from the rest of the room (Angelova 2015, 44). Characteristics of textiles that create ideal microenvironments include: two layered, natural fibers, and loose fitting (47). While colors such as green and blue are often associated with a “calming” feeling (Malamed 2015, 135), a range of colors should also be offered among products because the effects of colors differs for each person (Birren 2016, 139). Suitable color palettes and real-life examples of usage can be found in Axel Buether’s Colour. The combination of physical and visual comfort should create a product that soothes the user as he or she studies. 

References

Angelova, Radostina A. “Textiles and Human Thermophysiological Comfort in the Indoor Environment,” May 2015. https://doi.org/10.1201/b19118.

Birren, Faber. Color Psychology And Color Therapy; A Factual Study Of The Influence of Color On Human Life. San Francisco: Hauraki Publishing, 2016. Accessed November 4, 2019. ProQuest Ebook Central.

Buether, Axel. Colour. München: Detail Business Information GmbH, The, 2014. Accessed November 4, 2019. ProQuest Ebook Central.

Malamed, Connie. Visual Design Solutions : Principles and Creative Inspiration for Learning Professionals. Somerset: John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2015. Accessed November 4, 2019. ProQuest Ebook Central.

Muhammad, Shehu, Maimunah Sapri, and Ibrahim Sipan. “Academic Buildings and Their Influence on Students’ Wellbeing in Higher Education Institutions.” Social Indicators Research115, no. 3 (June 2013): 1159–78. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-013-0262-6.

Schneider, Mark. "Do School Facilities Affect Academic Outcomes?." (November 2002).