Alyona Makeeva

These products were part of my thesis at Pratt Institute masters' program. My thesis explored the notion of marriage in today’s America, as it’s affected by social changes and cultural tradition, and how design can bring back the affinity and genuine communication into a family. In the fast-moving world, where values shift and attitudes change, while some old customs and traditions become neglected, I ask the hard questions: why more than 50% of marriages end in divorce? Do we change along with the social environment? How do we protect family tradition yet accommodate new social demands? I seek to answer these questions with design innovation: products that bring harmony, encourage playfulness and foster communication. I believe stronger bonds can be developed in families through design, creativity and exploration.

Adam & Eve Interactive Sleeping Bag. Inside the warm top cover of the sleeping bag are 12 Tyvek panels that can have multiple uses. You and your lover can write your special romantic memories, keep a running diary during a long romantic excursion. You can also use the Adam & Eve Interactive Sleeping Bag at a bridal shower activity where guests can write their well wishes, naughty or romantic suggestions...Inside or outside the bag, find your own Garden of Eden!

Adam & Eve Interactive Sleeping Bag. Inside the warm top cover of the sleeping bag are 12 Tyvek panels that can have multiple uses. You and your lover can write your special romantic memories, keep a running diary during a long romantic excursion. You can also use the Adam & Eve Interactive Sleeping Bag at a bridal shower activity where guests can write their well wishes, naughty or romantic suggestions...Inside or outside the bag, find your own Garden of Eden!

Eat + Play + Look. This dish is inspired by Arthur Aron, a psychologist at SUNY-Stonybrook who studied the importance of eye contact in human relations. He invited a group of 40 men and women, complete strangers and asked them to stare at each other for 3 minutes. After this experiment majority of them declared a feeling of strong attraction. This inspired my interactive dish, that helps lovers eat, play and keep your eyes connected.