Showing posts with label How To.... Show all posts
Showing posts with label How To.... Show all posts

Friday, 24 September 2010

How to... Napping Hotspots















These photos demonstrate how our napping areas would help in the college. The 'Z' logo represents a dedicated napping place that would be highlighted in the nap map.

How to... More Brainstorms










These brainstorms focused our 'nap map' more, giving us a better idea of how our final design should look. We also made a 'to do' list so we could work as a team to get an outcome.

Thursday, 23 September 2010

How to... Folding Methods



We looked at different folds to make the map portable and therefore easy to store. The waterbomb booklet is an interesting way to fold the map down to easily fit inside a pocket.

How to... Group Research



















Our group research, including existing maps generally and of the college. This allowed us to get an idea of which rooms we would select for the napping areas.

How to... Group Work






















Our overview of the problem 'how to defy tiredness' which was narrowed down to our final ideas.

Tuesday, 21 September 2010

Research for the 'Sat Nap'

Just found a useful article about the art of napping, including ideal nap times and conditions. Relevant to the 'How to...' brief.


If you don't want to read the full article, here are select areas that I think stand out:

'DO'S AND DON'TS OF DOZING


Napping at work has become acceptable at some companies. Yet pulling off a "productivity nap" at the office isn't easy. Here are suggestions from sleep scientist Dr. Sara Mednick, author of Take a Nap! Change Your Life.
1. Make time and space
Twenty to 30 minutes is all you need to reap the rewards of midday slumber. The best time is the early afternoon when your body is tired—so consider reserving the second half of your lunch break for shut-eye. If your employer doesn't have a nap room, a yoga mat beats a bathroom stall, though the most comfortable option may be a parked car.
2. Set the proper conditions
In the dark our brains produce more of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, so close the blinds, turn off the lights, and consider using a sleeping mask. Keep the temperature on the warmer side. If you must nap sitting up, use a travel pillow to avoid the dreaded "nap nod." And don't forget to turn off your cell phone.
3. Careful with the chemicals
Avoid caffeine for a few hours before a nap. The same goes for nicotine, diet pills, and antidepressants. Although alcohol makes it easier to nod off during the day, it interferes with sleep and should also be avoided. Refined sugars and carbs may keep you up, but meat, dairy, and some nuts have tryptophan, which our bodies break down into melatonin.'
and
"Tiny naps are much more refreshing than people tend to realize," said Jim Horne, director of the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University in England. "A short nap in the afternoon will get rid of sleepiness without interfering with nighttime sleep."