Untangled! : Untangling Stress in the Workplace

Abstract: The topics of mental health and stress in the workplace have received increasedattention in recent years. Many employees report feelings of stress and overwhelm dueto high demands in the workplace. Stress is a complex phenomenon and manifests itselfin both the body (physiological signals) and mind (perceptions, thoughts, feelings andemotions). This thesis explores how a system that combines biodata and self-reflectionmight support office workers in their stress management. Through a user-centreddesign approach including methods like semi-structured interviews, surveys,participant observations and design drawings, the design concept of Untangled! wasdeveloped. It intends to make the complexity of stress more relatable for office workersby providing a playful and individualised experience to engage and reflect on theirbiodata. The users are assisted by the underlying system of Untangled! to build anincreased awareness for the body and more resilience for stress in the long-term.