Meta Zen

Tactile Meditation Playset for Pear and Mulberry

Meta Zen is a meditation playset for adults and co-create interior decor. Minimalism in forms, employing widely recognized Zen aesthetics with parametric design, the modules complete the dynamic sand pattern, from a three-piece table object to a whole facade decoration, deploying a Zen atmosphere in minutes. Modular panels embed magnets to ease precise alignment efforts in building, which is friendly to visually impaired people, elders, and users with hand tremors. The patented modular system is quaint with rich texture and organically colored from fully biodegradable material.

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Meta Zen by Yumeng Li

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Tactile Meditation Playset by Yumeng Li

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Yumeng Li Meta Zen

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Yumeng Li Tactile Meditation Playset

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Pear and MulberryBrand Logo

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Unique Properties

Meta.Zen is a poetic playset for adults and transformable interior decor designed for community spaces or temporary settings. Minimalism in forms, the modules complete the dynamic sand pattern organically at any scale and complexity, from a three-piece table object to a whole facade decoration, deploying a Zen atmosphere in minutes. Modular panels embed magnets to ease precise alignment efforts in building, which is friendly to visually impaired people, elders, and users with hand tremors.

Tags

decorative, magnetic, puzzle, zen, zen garden, configurable modules, mental therapy, haptic

Production Technology

All modules are reconfigurable to eliminate any redundant purchases for building differently to improve sustainability. All mass-producible parts are made from fully biodegradable PLA. Only natural fibers including bamboo and algae are added to tune natural color and texture. The patented ridges and valleys geometrically express zen with a hygienic and handy setup forming ever-changing puzzle patterns that improve accessibility and replayability.

Design Challenge

The core challenge was serving two audiences: offering a non-screen anxiety relief for individuals in quarantine and ensuring hotels, even as temporary isolation spaces, offering humane care through natural visuals and a universal zen cultural experience. Another critical difficulty was ensuring the project allowed for easy reconfiguration by subsequent users over time, with potential future use as a playset for group activities and as an indoor installation adaptable to various scenarios.

Project Duration

Launched in December 2021 and completed in July 2022, this project was initially developed during the pandemic for adults living in collective quarantine settings. It aimed to reduce the anxiety of remote working individuals. This project won European Product Design Award, and International Design Awards in 2022, and was selected as finalists in Product and User Experience categories of iF Design Award in 2023. It was featured on Yanko Design in January and Puxiang Design in February 2023.

Operation Flow

Zen Culture: Facilitates self-meditation and stress relief for adults, promoting inner balance through playful interaction. Inclusive: Features guided magnetic assembly and tactile patterns, offering a multisensory, accessible experience. Community & Sustainability: This art form's flexibility encourages communal creativity and sustainable decor changes, supporting social meditation and Wabi-Sabi appreciation. Its durable design allows for versatile display, embodying both reusability and aesthetic adaptability.

Research

Research shows tactile activities reduce quarantine anxiety, digital fatigue, and physical interaction scarcity. Employing widely recognized Zen aesthetics and computational tools, we crafted a modular system based on Taoist principles. With just three angles, it enables infinite Zen landscapes, combining geometric innovation and tactile inclusivity. This approach facilitates easy, unique Zen space creation for meditation, requiring no sand or expertise, prioritizing ease and hygiene.

Inspiration

Zen, is globally acknowledged for cultivating inner peace through performing activities. Artistic forms follow the aesthetic principles of Zen including simplicity; subtly profound grace, and tranquility. Aligned with Daoism, one single base module demonstrates a sense of flow; the assembled mysterious patterns reflect the worldview of Buddhism. It conveys the wisdom of simplexity: Identical base modules can be rearranged into millions of combinations, forming the system in play that manifests wabi-sabi both aesthetically and functionally.

Project Overview

Meta Zen Tactile Meditation Playset has been a Iron winner in the Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Yumeng Li.

Iron Recognition

Yumeng Li was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Meta Zen Tactile Meditation Playset.

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