Now, Where Was I?
Ever wonder what it actually feels like to do a task with ADHD? This exhibit lets you find out. Inspired by the chaos of focus, distractions, and creativity, this interactive space drops you right in the middle of the ADHD experience. For three minutes, color a worksheet through a mirror while the timer shakes, and lights flash on the mirror. Match the colors to the posters above (if you can focus long enough) using the markers set aside. Ignore the distractions—or don’t. When you’re done, hang your masterpiece on the wall and see how everyone’s brains turned out differently. ADHD is messy, loud, beautiful—and now, it’s your turn to feel it. (How you handle it is totally up to you!)
Final deliverables:
- Interactive two-way mirror coloring station
- Custom-designed worksheets and matching reference posters
- Distraction elements including LED lights and vibrating timer
- Work station for participant use
- Display wall for participant creations with motivational signage
- Informational wordage poster explaining animal imagery and personal symbolism of ADHD
INSPIRATION AND BACKGROUND
I chose these animals because they symbolize the experience of living with ADHD. The tiger embodies power, courage, and strength, reflecting the resilience often required to navigate the world with ADHD. The two-headed deer represents the beauty of being different while also conveying fearlessness and strength. It speaks to the balance many seek between opposing forces—chaos and focus, impulsivity and control—that exist within the ADHD mind.
HOW THE EXPERIENCE IS SET UP
The setup includes a two-way mirror where participants color worksheets while facing several distractions, including flashing lights, a vibrating timer, and a 3-minute time limit. Reference posters are displayed above the mirror for color matching, and markers are placed nearby for easy access. Once finished, participants can hang their work on a display wall and read more about the project’s concept and personal symbolism behind the animal imagery.
CREATIVE DIRECTION
I wanted to design posters that caught peoples attention not only by how much was going on but also with bright fun colors. I chose these animals to show how powerful people with ADHD are but wanted to add small yet eye catching distractions within the animals to symbolize the chaos of an ADHD brain.
