Dr. Sturm is a German aesthetics doctor, world-recognized for non-surgical anti-aging treatments and rejuvenation of the skin. Barbara Sturm, a leading aesthetics doctor and specialist in anti-inflammatory medicine, approached us to contribute to their digital ecosystem.
The discussion quickly developed into a multi-tiered project that included functional sound branding, at-home consumerrituals, spa treatments, and a speculative design sprint.
The emerging field of psychodermatology explores the connections between mind and skin. We focused on the interplay between the brain, the immune system, and the skin. And we found a strong relationship between several dermatological disorders and mental health conditions.
Our insights were based on the link between physical markers of stress, poor sleep quality, and chronic inflammation in the skin. Again, there’s a cycle in which inflammation contributes to stress and reduces sleep quality.
With this in mind, we focused on designing daily interventions to decrease chronic anxiety. The long-term aim was to reduce inflammation and improve the appearance and health of the skin.
We took a deep dive into the scientific literature around inflammation and sound. This led to the creation of soundscapes for use in different settings.