Meraki
RESPONSIBILITIES
Brand Identity Development, Research and Strategy, Art Direction, Photography, Product Design, Packaging Design
SPECIAL THANKS
Professors: Monica Schlaug, Gerardo Herrera, Lauren Cantor, Joshua Halstead
Industry Professionals: Shane Mays, Amber Asay
Meraki: Nourishing the Designer Before the Design reimagines the starting point of creative work—not with the user, but with the designer. Rooted in the ancient wisdom of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, this graduate thesis proposes a framework that nurtures the inner life of the designer—emotionally, mentally, and physically—so that meaningful, sustainable, and inclusive design can emerge. In a field often driven by relentless output, Meraki offers a counterbalance: a mindful methodology that supports creative longevity through self-awareness, ethical alignment, and holistic well-being.
This thesis introduces an operational and creative model that integrates mindfulness, multisensory design, and sustainability, encouraging designers to move beyond the purely visual and into the realm of resonance. Through case studies, experimental prototypes, and the development of an AI-powered creative assistant, Meraki illustrates how designing from within leads to work that is not only user-centered, but also harmonious, inclusive, and deeply conscientious.
Reshaped from the ancient Eight Limbs of Yoga into a living progression for designers—one rooted in balance, clarity, and creative longevity. It unfolds across two interconnected pillars that move in continual dialogue.
Design Operations grounds the designer in Ethics (Yama) and Personal Discipline (Niyama)—establishing a strong inner foundation before the design takes shape.
The Creative Process flows outward through six guiding principles: Focus (Dhyana), Immersion (Dharana), Form (Asana), Rhythm (Pranayama), Introspection (Pratyahara), and Resonance (Samadhi)—shaping work that feels both intentional and timeless.
Built using the Meraki Framework, I’ve built a custom GPT, a mindful creative companion that supports designers’ well-being, longevity, and purpose—guiding them with intention, not just automation.
For example, before starting a project, it’ll apply Dhyana (Focus) and invite you to pause for a grounding breath, helping designers shift from urgency and grounding them in clarity.
Bring the Meraki framework into practice
To explore how the Meraki framework could be applied to real-world, I designed an inclusive and accessible First Aid Kit that prioritizes clarity and ease of use.
As part of this process—and in the spirit of Dharana (Immersion)—I engaged in embodied simulations: navigating with a screen reader, opening packaging with one hand, and relying solely on touch.
Easy to open for low dexterity.
Color coded for cognitive clarity.
Tactile differentiators for vision impairment.
Meraki is a call to reimagine the role of the designer as a whole human being. This thesis invites a shift from design as output to design as presence. By nourishing the designer first—through mindfulness, ethical practice, and inner alignment—we make space for work that is not only innovative, but harmonious, inclusive, and enduring. This is a vision for a more sustainable creative future—one where well-being fuels impact, and design becomes a practice of care.
A Call to the Design Industry