Was it just us, or did January feel like the longest year ever? Now we’re finally in February, and even though those warmer, brighter days still feel a bit out of reach, we’re getting closer.
It’s no secret that this time of year is tough on our mental health. In the UK alone, approximately 2 million people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), reminding us that mental health challenges are far more common than many realise. This reality has sparked an important reflection: our role as product designers extends beyond solving functional problems – we have the opportunity, and perhaps the responsibility, to create products that actively contribute to people’s emotional wellbeing. This month, we’re exploring how thoughtful product development and intentional design can play a vital role in supporting mental health and fostering a more nurturing environment for everyone.
More Than Just Making Things Work
Here’s a view from our Founder, Nathan:
“When considering new projects, we always ask ourselves ‘Does the world need one of these?’ It’s become our compass for ensuring everything we create has genuine purpose. Some solutions, like our work for adaptive oxygen therapy machine thinAir, have a direct and measurable impact – helping people unlock their body’s natural healing abilities and transform their health . Others might simply make someone’s day a bit easier or their workspace more welcoming, like Site Pod. What matters to us at npd is that each project we take on, in its own way, makes life better for the people who use it.”
From Vision to Reality
Here’s how we’re bringing this philosophy to life in some of our current projects:
thinAir: Workplace Wellbeing
Our groundbreaking adaptive oxygen therapy system for thinAir works in harmony with each person’s body, optimising oxygen levels to enhance natural healing and performance. We’re currently conducting fascinating research into how this technology affects workplace wellbeing – tracking real physiological changes and collecting data on how it impacts our team’s daily lives. The early results? They’re very exciting! More on this soon – we can’t wait to share what we’re discovering.
Site Pod: Creating Better Workplaces
Sometimes wellbeing comes from feeling valued and cared for at work. That’s why we created Site Pod – transforming how construction sites look after their workers. From proper break facilities to organised safety systems, it’s about showing people they matter. And we’re seeing real results – improved worker satisfaction and sites that actually work better for everyone.
Zebble: Rethinking Our Relationship with Tech
Our latest project set to launch this year with the team at Detach Tech, is all about helping people disconnect when they need to. Using beautifully designed ‘pebbles’, we’re creating ways for people to step back from technology naturally, sleep better, and focus on what really matters.
Looking Ahead
Have you noticed ways that design affects your own wellbeing? Maybe you’ve got an idea for a project that could make a real difference? We’d love to hear from you on this, so drop us a message at hello@npd.studio and let’s explore how we can create products that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
