For my synthesis project, I set out to explore how the principles of Ayurveda and Yoga could be translated into a tangible product that helps people slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves. The idea was not only to design a calming physical object but also to create a medium that introduces Indian culture in a fresh, authentic light. Too often, Indian culture is stereotyped as overly ornamental or decorative—I wanted to move beyond that narrative and instead highlight its depth, simplicity, and holistic approach to well-being.
In a world grappling with constant stimulation, stress, and digital overload, the need for objects that offer pause and introspection has become urgent. While wellness products exist in the form of diffusers, lamps, and wearables, few deeply explore the intersection of cultural philosophy, sensory psychology, and product design.
India’s vast heritage of Ayurveda, Yoga, traditional crafts, and spiritual practices contains profound insight into calming rituals and sensory healing. However, much of this wisdom is either lost in ornamentalism or not adapted for modern minimalistic contexts.
Primary Research
Surveys with users across India and the UK
A sensory interaction workshop using curated objects (scent, sound, texture, visuals)
Emotional mapping using Likert scales and free-form responses
Secondary Research
This draws on product semantics, ritual theory, emotional design, and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to understand how objects can carry meaning and support emotional wellbeing.
Rising Stress and Sensory Overload: In today’s hyper-stimulated environments, individuals—especially in urban contexts—struggle to find calm. A sensory object grounded in traditional wisdom offers an accessible emotional anchor
Loss of Cultural Touchpoints: Indian philosophies like Ayurveda and traditional crafts hold deep sensory knowledge, but are fading from everyday life. This project revives them through a contemporary product.
Lack of Multi-Sensory Wellness Objects: Most calming products focus on isolated senses (e.g., sound machines or essential oils). This product integrates multiple senses for a more immersive, holistic calming experience.
Need for Design That Heals: Emotional wellness is a growing design responsibility and it is the need of the hour.
Bridging Global Design with Indian Identity: The project explores how culturally rooted design can be adapted for diverse users, contributing to conversations around decolonizing design and expanding global aesthetics.
Traditional Wisdom Overlooked or Ornamentalized: Much of India’s cultural and sensory wisdom is either lost in ornamentalism or has not been adapted for modern, minimalistic design contexts. This project seeks to reinterpret that knowledge in a form that is both relevant and accessible to contemporary users.
What I Learnt
Research & Methods
Thought Process & Rationale
Design Development
Ideation
Secondary Research about Rituals and Ayurveda
Gesture & Semiotic MApping
ETERNAL EVOLUTION
Primary Research
Product and its Meanings
Given the time constraint, I would want to conduct thorough user testing across various materials with similar forms to gather elaborate feedback.
Future Possibilities
Ai generated images
Exploring Indian heritage has been a fascinating journey for me. It's not just about spreading awareness globally; it's about thinking big and getting hands-on experience through prototyping various forms with real-time inputs.
I'm excited about creating a range of products that capture the essence of rich Indian rituals in a simplified manner for a worldwide audience to enjoy a truly enriching Indian experience.
While there's always a concern about Indian designs being copied into basic modern minimalistic styles, the goal is to share the beauty of these designs with everyone rather than allowing them to be simply replicated.
Duration of the project : 3 months
Synthesis Unit
While rituals may differ in form, materials, and symbolism across regions, their core emotional purpose—to ground, connect, and bring meaning—remains universally shared
While rituals may differ in form, materials, and symbolism across regions, their core emotional purpose—to ground, connect, and bring meaning—remains universally shared
This project aims to bridge that gap—to create a sensory-driven product that feels rooted yet relevant, ancient yet adaptable.
The product will serve as a daily-use emotional anchor for modern users, especially those in urban or high-stress contexts
