Pausa-Interaction Design Project

PAUSA

Your Breathing Companion

Pausa is a calming companion designed to guide you through mindful breathing—whether to ease anxiety, reduce stress, or simply reconnect with yourself.

Away from screens and digital clutter, Pausa offers a gentle, tactile experience through a standalone object that invites you to slow down.

With three distinct breathing modes—each represented by a unique color—it supports different rhythms of breath, allowing you to choose what your body and mind need in the moment.

Activated by two discreet light sensors (LDRs), Pausa comes to life with a simple interaction, offering a soothing ritual that’s as intuitive as it is tech-free.

Pausa is not just a tool, but a space—where breath becomes ritual, and stillness becomes practice.

DESIGN BRIEF

This project began with an exploration of rituals—both cultural and personal—as meaningful, repeated actions that bring structure, presence, and care into our lives.

Among the many forms rituals can take, we were particularly drawn to the act of breathing: a universal, rhythmic practice that is both automatic and, when consciously directed, deeply powerful.

In moments of stress or anxiety, intentional breathing becomes a grounding ritual—one that can calm the nervous system and restore focus.

Our concept centers around creating a physical, screen-free object that supports breathing. By turning breath into an interactive experience—through light, rhythm, and touch—we aim to create space for stillness, presence, and emotional regulation in a world that often demands the opposite.

Initial Design Sketches
Exploring shapes for the final design

MOODBOARD

As two girls who regularly practice meditation, we were inspired by the tools and objects that support our own moments of stillness.

Our moodboard reflects a mix of soft, calming colors, tactile forms, and gentle rhythms—drawing influence not only from existing breathing tools, but also from the world of illustration, where emotion and simplicity can coexist beautifully and coherently.

We were especially inspired by the power of color and form to create emotional impact, and by the idea that design can invite people into meaningful rituals without relying on screens or complex technology.

PAUSA

Your Breathing Companion

Pausa is a calming companion designed to guide you through mindful breathing—whether to ease anxiety, reduce stress, or simply reconnect with yourself.

DESIGN BRIEF

This project began with an exploration of rituals—both cultural and personal—as meaningful, repeated actions that bring structure, presence, and care into our lives.

Initial Design Sketches
Exploring shapes for the final design

MOODBOARD

As two girls who regularly practice meditation, we were inspired by the tools and objects that support our own moments of stillness.

Our moodboard reflects a mix of soft, calming colors, tactile forms, and gentle rhythms—drawing influence not only from existing breathing tools, but also from the world of illustration, where emotion and simplicity can coexist beautifully and coherently.

We were especially inspired by the power of color and form to create emotional impact, and by the idea that design can invite people into meaningful rituals without relying on screens or complex technology.

Each element in our visual research speaks to comfort, slowness, and the kind of quiet presence we hope Pausa can offer.

MATERIALS & MAKING

Initial Design Sketches
Exploring shapes for the final design

THE PROTOTYPE!

Initial Design Sketches
Exploring shapes for the final design

Thank you for watching :)

Product realised by Arianna Di Donato
In collaboration with Yara Adalbe
NCAD, 2025

Let's create something together! :)

PAUSA

Your Breathing Companion

Pausa is a calming companion designed to guide you through mindful breathing—whether to ease anxiety, reduce stress, or simply reconnect with yourself.

DESIGN BRIEF

This project began with an exploration of rituals—both cultural and personal—as meaningful, repeated actions that bring structure, presence, and care into our lives.

Initial Design SketchesExploring shapes for the final design

MOODBOARD

As two girls who regularly practice meditation, we were inspired by the tools and objects that support our own moments of stillness.

Our moodboard reflects a mix of soft, calming colors, tactile forms, and gentle rhythms—drawing influence not only from existing breathing tools, but also from the world of illustration, where emotion and simplicity can coexist beautifully and coherently.

We were especially inspired by the power of color and form to create emotional impact, and by the idea that design can invite people into meaningful rituals without relying on screens or complex technology.

Each element in our visual research speaks to comfort, slowness, and the kind of quiet presence we hope Pausa can offer.

MATERIALS & MAKING

Initial Design SketchesExploring shapes for the final design

THE PROTOTYPE!

Initial Design SketchesExploring shapes for the final design

Thank you for watching :)

Product realised by Arianna Di DonatoIn collaboration with Yara AdalbeNCAD, 2025

Let's create something together! :)

Initial Design Sketches
Exploring shapes for the final design

Initial Design Sketches
Exploring shapes for the final design

Initial Design Sketches
Exploring shapes for the final design

Product realised by Arianna Di Donato
In collaboration with Yara Adalbe
NCAD, 2025