How can we honor the grief and gratitude tied to the places we leave? In this solo episode of Design Deep Dive, I discuss my own experience with grieving a home in Seattle before embarking on a nomadic journey. I offer a guided practice to support you in moving through your own feelings of grief towards place, while cultivating gratitude for the home(s) you have loved. A journal or notebook is recommended (but not required) to move through the practice.

Explore the emotional journey of leaving a home and the importance of grieving place. Learn actionable practices to honor your relationship with spaces.

In this episode:

• The emotional significance of spaces as extensions of self
• My personal journey and process of grieving home
• Practical exercises for gratitude and grief related to place

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:09 Grieving Place: A Personal Journey

10:18 The Process of Letting Go

12:39 Gratitude + Grief Practice for Home

Resources

House as a Mirror of Self by Clare Cooper Marcus

Psychology of the House by Olivier Marc

The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard

Connect with Dr. Za:

Website: www.designwithdrza.com

Email: suzan@designwithdrza.com

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/designwithdr.za/⁠⁠⁠

⁠Learn More About Design Psychology + Book A Free Call⁠

How do aesthetics play a role in our mental health and emotional wellbeing? In this episode of Design Deep Dive, I chat with Dr. Jan Mikuni, a researcher in the psychology of art and aesthetics, about the intricate relationship between aesthetics, psychology, and design. Jan’s work explores aesthetic experiences in everyday life—ranging from encounters with artwork and museum exhibitions to interactions with urban environments—and how these experiences shape human perception, emotion, and behavior. Her core interest lies not only in understanding the nature and quality of aesthetic experiences, but also in examining their broader societal impact.

Jan shares her journey into the field of aesthetic psychology, discussing how environments and design influence human perception, emotion, and behavior. We explore concepts such as museum fatigue, the importance of aesthetics in wellbeing, and the psychological implications of our relationship with place. We also discuss the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the understanding and application of aesthetic principles in design, with the aim of improving individual and societal wellbeing.

In this episode:

• Aesthetics as a psychological process, not just about beauty
• Understanding our relationship to place is essential for our mental health
• Design as a tool for self-reflection and emotion regulation
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in enhancing the fields of design and psychology

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Connect with Jan:

Website: https://jan-mikuni.com/en/

Empirical Visual Aesthetics (EVA) Lab

Connect with Dr. Za:

Website: www.designwithdrza.com

Email: suzan@designwithdrza.com

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/designwithdr.za/⁠⁠⁠

⁠Book a Design Psychology Consult Call⁠

Can virtual environments help us heal anxiety and create a sense of safety amidst uncertainty? In this episode of Design Deep Dive, design psychologist Dr. Suzan Ahmed dives in with Mishleen Marcos, Palestinian interior designer and design instructor, to discuss her innovative research and the power of biophilic design in virtual reality environments to support mental health.

Mishleen Marcos is an interior designer and design instructor who recently completed her master’s degree in Art Therapy at Dar Al-Kalima University. Her work explores the intersection of interior design, virtual reality, music, and emotional wellbeing, with a focus on creating multisensory environments that support healing, presence, and connection.

Mishleen shares her journey from interior design to art therapy, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that foster healing and connection. We explore biophilic design, the role of music in therapeutic environments, and the potential of virtual reality to create immersive experiences that reduce anxiety and facilitate a state of flow. We also discuss the future of design psychology, advocating for a more human-centered approach that prioritizes personal connection and emotional sustainability.

In this episode:

• The role of virtual reality and music in creating therapeutic interventions

• Emotional (and not just environmental) sustainability as an important component in design

• AI and other technology as tools of support

• The legacy of design as a reflection of the experiences and feelings it creates for others

Connect with Mishleen:

mishleenmorcus@gmail.com

Therapeutic Music by Dr. Nawra Kurzom:

Music for Concentration

The Magic of the Night

Sunrise

Connect with Dr. Za:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/designwithdr.za/⁠⁠⁠

⁠Book a Design Psychology Consult Call⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Design and Healing

04:25 The Journey into Biophilic Design and VR

08:40 Research Findings and Impact on Students

12:32 The Role of Music in Healing Spaces

16:48 Creating Flow States in Design

21:11 The Intersection of AI, Technology, and Human Connection

26:12 AI in Mental Health Support

29:12 The Emotional Connection to Home

31:57 The Future of Design Psychology

37:06 Living in the Moment and Legacy