cha-yi

A placemat with a blue pattern placed on the floor in front of a wooden bench with various containers and objects on top.

cha-yi (茶意 - tea intention) is a study set based on the chinese tea ceremony that implements mindfulness into study routines.

each object in the set references an object used in the ceremony but uses sand instead of tea to delegate time and priority, reframing the process from relaxation to productivity.

A set of black ceramic kitchen containers with beige and copper-colored accents, including a teapot with a handle and spout, several small square and rectangular containers with yellow interiors, and a small brush with a wooden handle and natural bristles, all arranged on a gray surface against a plain gray background.

each object in the set is based off of an object used in a chinese tea ceremony, translating its core values of mindfulness, hierarchy, fairness, and process into a system of productivity and time managment, symbolized by a movement of sand.

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storage and scoop

based on tea storage; holds productivity

scale timer

based on tea drinking; symbolizes productivity

delegation vessel

based on the fairness cup; divides productivity

task cup

based on the tea cup; symbolizes a task

brush

based on the towel; cleans tray during usage

Long rectangular wooden shelf with built-in compartments and slots, placed on a dark gray surface against a gray background.

all of the objects sit on the productivity tray, inspired by a traditional chinese tea tray. like a tea tray, the sand used in the study session is discarded into the drawer, which is then recycled and used again. the tray has defined areas for each object, but allows for mobility and ease of transport with its size and lightness. the tray top is made using cnc milling, and the body using classic wood joinery.

THE CEREMONY

3 - delegate time/sand into task cups

4 - set cup on scale, start timer, and perform tasks

5 - discard used sand into tray

6 - return used sand into storage

A person pouring pink sand from a wooden scoop into a rectangular container on a wooden shelf, with other similar containers nearby.
Person holding a small rectangular container with handwritten text 'Essay' on it, and some other similar containers on a wooden board.

2 - allocate time/sand into delegation vessel

1 - write tasks on task cups

A person's hand reaching for a black tin container labeled 'MATH'. There are several similar tins on a light wooden surface, some partially visible, with an organized display. The background is a plain grey wall.
A person pouring pink sand from a ceramic cup into a small bowl.
A person placing a copper-colored metal sheet into a wooden box with pink foam padding, with a wooden tray and black containers with red accents on a wooden platform in the background.
A person's hand pours a pink powder onto a wooden table with sliding compartments, and square tins with black and orange lids are nearby.
A modern office with a wooden table, gray office chair, a large wall-mounted monitor, a window with horizontal blinds, and some decorative items like potted plants and a tray on the table.

usage

A repeating teal and dark teal geometric pattern featuring interconnected squares and circles, creating a seamless decorative design.

mat design

DESIGN PROCESS

A table with art supplies including black and beige square containers, spray cans of paint, painted artwork, and wood frame in an unfinished room with exposed wood framing and drywall.
A CNC machine in a workshop, with a large blue component featuring the word "Shop" in white. The machine has various controls, hoses, and a yellow emergency stop button, working on a piece of wood or similar material, with wood shavings on the surface.
A woodworking workshop with a workbench, wooden moldings, tools, and machinery, including a band saw and a sanding machine, with a person in dark clothing working in the background.
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