A Puzzle for your problems
Feeling Puzzled is a foldable Sudoku set designed to transform study breaks into moments of motivation. Inspired by research on dopamine, mindfulness, and cognitive engagement, the project combines portable puzzle design with origami-inspired interaction, encouraging users to accomplish one small task at a time and return to their work feeling refreshed and refocused.
2024
pattern design
puzzle design
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The project was inspired by my own experience of college finals week. As deadlines accumulated, I found myself feeling mentally exhausted, overwhelmed, and unmotivated—a cycle familiar to many students. While researching motivation, I discovered that completing even a small task can replenish baseline dopamine levels and provide a rewarding sense of accomplishment. That feeling of success reinforces motivation, giving the brain confidence to take on the next challenge.
This insight led to a simple question: What small, enjoyable task could help someone reset between study sessions?
The answer was puzzles.
Featured in Ligature 33, the University of Florida's annual graphic design juried exhibition
Why Sudoku?
Sudoku offers a satisfying challenge that can be completed in a short amount of time while keeping the brain engaged. Beyond providing a sense of accomplishment, puzzles exercise problem-solving skills, encourage focused attention, and strengthen fluid intelligence. Rather than becoming another distraction, they create an intentional break that refreshes the mind before returning to work.
I also decided to create all the sudoku puzzles myself so that I could also
