Calm Design
(minimal interaction )
LESS NOISE MORE MEANING
—Aritra Barik
Credential Page
Name :
Course :
Semester :
Institution :
Intership Batch :
Mentor :
Email id. :
Aritra Barik
Red Apple Learning
Pangkaj Majumdar
Aribarik7105@gmail.com
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Fourth
Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship
Abstract
In an era of constant digital noise and overstimulation, the principles of Calm
Design offer a refreshing approach to human-centered interaction. This project
explores the concept of calm technology, where design seamlessly integrates into
the user’s environment without demanding constant attention. Rooted in the
philosophy introduced by Mark Weiser and John Seely Brown, the project focuses
on creating a product/system that communicates information subtly and intuitively,
allowing users to stay informed while remaining focused on their primary tasks.
Through a combination of minimal interaction, ambient feedback, and context-
aware functionality, this project demonstrates how technology can enhance daily
life without being intrusive. The outcome is a prototype that embodies the core
principles of calm design—design that informs without overwhelming, and
integrates without interrupting—aiming to redefine the relationship between users
and their digital surroundings
Ubiquitous Computing
Bauhaus Design
Minimalism
About the Design Philosophy
Calm Design Coined by Mark Weiser and John Seely Brown (1995), grounded in
Minimalist Design principles.Calm technology or calm design is a type of information
technology where the interaction between the technology and its user is designed to
occur in the user's periphery rather than constantly at the center of attention.
Information from the technology smoothly shifts to the user's attention when needed
but otherwise stays calmly in the user's periphery.
Origin of the Calm Design
Historical Background
The phrase "calm technology" was first published in the 1995 article 'Designing Calm
Technology' by Mark Weiser and John Seely Brown,Emerged from ubiquitous computing
and Bauhaus minimalism, emphasizing effortless interaction.
Calm Design
Calm Technology was first introduced in 1995 by Mark Weiser and John Seely
Brown at Xerox PARC through their work on ubiquitous computing. They used the
example of LiveWire (a moving string that reacted to network activity) to
demonstrate how technology can inform without demanding attention.
In 2015, Amber Case formalized the concept in her book “Calm Technology”,
outlining clear design principles. She became a major advocate, speaking globally
and advising tech companies. In 2024, she founded the Calm Tech Institute and
launched the Calm Tech Certified™ program to standardize calm, attention-aware
design.
Mark Weiser John Seely Brown
Architecture
Application across industries
Mainly we found this calm design in Scandinavian
home and Japanese Zen garden
Scandinavian home
Japanese Zen Garden
Japanese Zen garden, also known as a karesansui garden, is a minimalist,
dry landscape garden focused on creating a sense of tranquility and
contemplation. It typically feature carefully arranged rock,sand,gravel etc.
Products design
Muji style products are characterized by their minimalist design, functionality,
and use of natural materials, often emphasizing a sense of calm and simplicity.
Muji style products
Fashion Design
Monochrome and neutral coloured clothing
carries the calm design philosophy.
Interior Design
Spaces that emphasize air, light,
and flow and helps to create a
tranquil atmosphere.
Packaging
We can creat any packaging using
calm design philosophy .
UI/UX Design
Using calm design we also create ui/ux
design, which give calmness in our mind .It is
also a minimal interaction.
The practice or approach of engaging with others to
the least extent necessary, often to emphasize
efficiency and reduce unnecessary communication or
involvement.
Minimal Interaction
Example
1.Greeting or thanking to
service workers
2.Making eye contact
with a stranger
3.A quick nod or smile to
someone passing by
Calm Design With Minimal Interaction
Using mobile ringtone and notifications
sound plays a minimal interaction with
human mind ,so if we use this type
music/ tone which calm our mind . Scan the QR
Interior Design
We can placed such paintings in
our room which make our interior
calm and tranquil and also we
notice those paintings our mind
become filled with peace .
Nandalal Bose
Abanindranath Tagore
Bodhisattava Padmapani
Ajanta Cave
Philosophy as a Persona
Name : RAM
1.Personality Traits:
Patient, observant,
humble
2.Fashion : Linen
clothing,
3.Life Motto:
“Quietly powerful.”
References
Mark Weiser & John Seely Brown – Calm Technology.
Dieter Rams – Ten Principles for Good Design.
Muji and Apple Minimalist Product Studies.
Nielsen Norman Group on Minimal UX.
https://www.johnseelybrown.com/calmtech.pdf
https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/calmness-in-design-ultimate-guide
Ten Principles for Good Design Calm Technology
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my special thanks to gratitude my college
principal Mr. Kallol KR. Roy who gave me this golden opportunity.The
special thanks also goes to Red Apple Learning and our mentor Mr.
Pangkaj Majumdar , who gave me a wonderful topic about desi
Philosophy. He always helps us in our research work. Not only he but
also the Red Apple Learning group always support and helped us a lot
in our research work and I came to know about so many new things.
I am really thankful to them.
secondly I would also like a thank to my friends who helped me a lot in
finishing this project .
Appendix
Mainly used, monochromatic
colour pallet such as gray , brown,
muted gray ,cream , white etc.
Colour palette
Layouts & sketches
Before creating the main character ,I draw some
sketches and layouts so that the mains character
Scan the QR
Work in progress
This images may help your about the technique of
digital character making. This video may improve your ideas a
design philosophy .
Reflection
Key learning from this internship
1.Small design details boost usability & engagement .
2.Learned the 4 stages: Trigger, Rules, Feedback, Loops/Modes.
3.I learned about calm design philosophy and it’s application and also learned
howMinimal interaction applies in calm design.
Challenges Faced
I faced challenges while researching about minimal interaction and when creating
the character design
Effective tools
1.Photoshop for character design
2.Pinterest and google for reference image
3.Canva to creat presentation

A Graphic Designing Project on "Calm Design"

  • 1.
    Calm Design (minimal interaction) LESS NOISE MORE MEANING —Aritra Barik
  • 2.
    Credential Page Name : Course: Semester : Institution : Intership Batch : Mentor : Email id. : Aritra Barik Red Apple Learning Pangkaj Majumdar Aribarik7105@gmail.com Bachelor of Fine Arts Fourth Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship
  • 3.
    Abstract In an eraof constant digital noise and overstimulation, the principles of Calm Design offer a refreshing approach to human-centered interaction. This project explores the concept of calm technology, where design seamlessly integrates into the user’s environment without demanding constant attention. Rooted in the philosophy introduced by Mark Weiser and John Seely Brown, the project focuses on creating a product/system that communicates information subtly and intuitively, allowing users to stay informed while remaining focused on their primary tasks. Through a combination of minimal interaction, ambient feedback, and context- aware functionality, this project demonstrates how technology can enhance daily life without being intrusive. The outcome is a prototype that embodies the core principles of calm design—design that informs without overwhelming, and integrates without interrupting—aiming to redefine the relationship between users and their digital surroundings
  • 4.
    Ubiquitous Computing Bauhaus Design Minimalism Aboutthe Design Philosophy Calm Design Coined by Mark Weiser and John Seely Brown (1995), grounded in Minimalist Design principles.Calm technology or calm design is a type of information technology where the interaction between the technology and its user is designed to occur in the user's periphery rather than constantly at the center of attention. Information from the technology smoothly shifts to the user's attention when needed but otherwise stays calmly in the user's periphery. Origin of the Calm Design Historical Background The phrase "calm technology" was first published in the 1995 article 'Designing Calm Technology' by Mark Weiser and John Seely Brown,Emerged from ubiquitous computing and Bauhaus minimalism, emphasizing effortless interaction. Calm Design
  • 5.
    Calm Technology wasfirst introduced in 1995 by Mark Weiser and John Seely Brown at Xerox PARC through their work on ubiquitous computing. They used the example of LiveWire (a moving string that reacted to network activity) to demonstrate how technology can inform without demanding attention. In 2015, Amber Case formalized the concept in her book “Calm Technology”, outlining clear design principles. She became a major advocate, speaking globally and advising tech companies. In 2024, she founded the Calm Tech Institute and launched the Calm Tech Certified™ program to standardize calm, attention-aware design. Mark Weiser John Seely Brown
  • 6.
    Architecture Application across industries Mainlywe found this calm design in Scandinavian home and Japanese Zen garden Scandinavian home
  • 7.
    Japanese Zen Garden JapaneseZen garden, also known as a karesansui garden, is a minimalist, dry landscape garden focused on creating a sense of tranquility and contemplation. It typically feature carefully arranged rock,sand,gravel etc.
  • 8.
    Products design Muji styleproducts are characterized by their minimalist design, functionality, and use of natural materials, often emphasizing a sense of calm and simplicity. Muji style products
  • 9.
    Fashion Design Monochrome andneutral coloured clothing carries the calm design philosophy.
  • 10.
    Interior Design Spaces thatemphasize air, light, and flow and helps to create a tranquil atmosphere.
  • 11.
    Packaging We can creatany packaging using calm design philosophy .
  • 12.
    UI/UX Design Using calmdesign we also create ui/ux design, which give calmness in our mind .It is also a minimal interaction.
  • 13.
    The practice orapproach of engaging with others to the least extent necessary, often to emphasize efficiency and reduce unnecessary communication or involvement. Minimal Interaction Example 1.Greeting or thanking to service workers 2.Making eye contact with a stranger 3.A quick nod or smile to someone passing by
  • 14.
    Calm Design WithMinimal Interaction Using mobile ringtone and notifications sound plays a minimal interaction with human mind ,so if we use this type music/ tone which calm our mind . Scan the QR
  • 15.
    Interior Design We canplaced such paintings in our room which make our interior calm and tranquil and also we notice those paintings our mind become filled with peace . Nandalal Bose Abanindranath Tagore Bodhisattava Padmapani Ajanta Cave
  • 16.
    Philosophy as aPersona Name : RAM 1.Personality Traits: Patient, observant, humble 2.Fashion : Linen clothing, 3.Life Motto: “Quietly powerful.”
  • 17.
    References Mark Weiser &John Seely Brown – Calm Technology. Dieter Rams – Ten Principles for Good Design. Muji and Apple Minimalist Product Studies. Nielsen Norman Group on Minimal UX. https://www.johnseelybrown.com/calmtech.pdf https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/calmness-in-design-ultimate-guide Ten Principles for Good Design Calm Technology
  • 18.
    Acknowledgement I would liketo express my special thanks to gratitude my college principal Mr. Kallol KR. Roy who gave me this golden opportunity.The special thanks also goes to Red Apple Learning and our mentor Mr. Pangkaj Majumdar , who gave me a wonderful topic about desi Philosophy. He always helps us in our research work. Not only he but also the Red Apple Learning group always support and helped us a lot in our research work and I came to know about so many new things. I am really thankful to them. secondly I would also like a thank to my friends who helped me a lot in finishing this project .
  • 19.
    Appendix Mainly used, monochromatic colourpallet such as gray , brown, muted gray ,cream , white etc. Colour palette Layouts & sketches Before creating the main character ,I draw some sketches and layouts so that the mains character Scan the QR Work in progress This images may help your about the technique of digital character making. This video may improve your ideas a design philosophy .
  • 20.
    Reflection Key learning fromthis internship 1.Small design details boost usability & engagement . 2.Learned the 4 stages: Trigger, Rules, Feedback, Loops/Modes. 3.I learned about calm design philosophy and it’s application and also learned howMinimal interaction applies in calm design. Challenges Faced I faced challenges while researching about minimal interaction and when creating the character design Effective tools 1.Photoshop for character design 2.Pinterest and google for reference image 3.Canva to creat presentation