Creatively Supporting Mental Wellbeing: A Tangible Toolkit to Scaffold Self-Tracking through Mindful Colouring

Jingxin Yu, Amid Ayobi*, Paul Marshall, Aisling Ann O'Kane

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

Abstract

Paper-based journaling remains ubiquitous and provides significant potential to support mental wellbeing and inform the design of digital mental health interventions. However, it remains unclear how tangible tools can be designed to facilitate creative and artistic journaling practices. We present the design and evaluation of a tangible toolkit comprising a set of laser-cut stencils and an example-based how-to guide on self-tracking mood through mindful colouring. Drawing on the findings of a two-week field study with university students from diverse backgrounds, we demonstrate how the tangible toolkit scaffolded personally meaningful expression of mood and lived experience. Participant’s visual accounts illustrate creative stencil appropriation and individual colouring preferences in documenting and understanding mood, emotions, and feelings in daily life. Based on this understanding, we suggest shifts towards more tangible mental health approaches to support people in expressing and exploring their felt experiences in creative ways.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Nineteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery (ACM)
ISBN (Electronic)979-8-4007-1197-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Mar 2025
Event19th ACM International Conference on Tangible, Embedded and Embodied Interaction (TEI) 2025 - Bordeaux, France
Duration: 4 Mar 20257 Mar 2025

Publication series

Name
ISSN (Electronic)0000-0000

Conference

Conference19th ACM International Conference on Tangible, Embedded and Embodied Interaction (TEI) 2025
Abbreviated titleTEI
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityBordeaux
Period4/03/257/03/25

Research Groups and Themes

  • SPHERE
  • Bristol Interaction Group

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