Enhancing Indoor Well-being: A Multifunctional Approach to Indoor Living with Plants and Pegboards

In recent times, there has been a noticeable trend towards increased indoor living, driven by the allure of convenience. However, this trend has raised concerns about heightened exposure to indoor pollutants, which significantly impact air quality and contribute to stress. Indoor plants are renowned for their air-purifying and stress-reducing qualities, serving as natural solutions to enhance indoor air quality. Nevertheless, many people struggle to care for them due to time constraints or a lack of expertise. This research endeavors to bridge the gap between the benefits of indoor plants and the hurdles of their maintenance. Furthermore, it acknowledges the significance of decluttering indoor spaces to alleviate stress, with pegboards emerging as a popular organizational choice. The primary objective of this study is to introduce an innovative solution: a modular, magnetic pegboard system featuring purpose-built modules. This multifunctional pegboard system serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it streamlines organization, effectively reducing the stress induced by desk clutter. Secondly, it fosters an environment conducive to indoor plant care, making it accessible to all, including those with limited horticultural knowledge. Additionally, strategically placed indoor plants can offer natural shade and insulation, potentially reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling in indoor spaces. This, in turn, can lead to lower energy consumption and decreased greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with sustainable material use. Pegboards constructed from sustainable materials, such as wood, can indeed be eco-friendly choices that contribute to the overall reduction of the environmental footprint in living spaces. The primary focus of this study centers on the design, development, and implementation of this user-friendly pegboard system, underscored by its adaptability and positive impact on indoor well-being, air quality, and sustainability. By means of this innovation, the research aspires to elevate indoor spaces, fostering healthier and more harmonious living and working environments, well-being, and air quality.


Introduction
As the pandemic era gradually recedes, recent research indicates that 80% of newly employed individuals express a desire to continue working from home for at least half of their working hours post-pandemic [1].This preference revolves around the concept known as their "Office Home."However, a significant portion of the population still resides in compact apartments that can only accommodate essential daily activities, often resulting in cluttered living environments that may adversely impact productivity.Furthermore, indoor time has surged by an additional 11 hours per week compared to 2017.This extended indoor activity has been linked to detrimental health consequences, as indoor air frequently contains pollutant concentrations 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor air.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that poor indoor air quality may contribute to as many as 50% of all respiratory illnesses.This situation aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 3, which aims to "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages."Target Goal 3.4 seeks to "reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being."It includes a specific target indicator related to mortality rates attributed to various diseases.Another target, Goal 3.9, aims to "substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals, water, and soil pollution and contamination," focusing on the mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
One effective solution to mitigate these negative effects is the incorporation of indoor plants to enhance indoor air quality [2].Notably, exposure to indoor plants has been shown to reduce stress levels.However, the maintenance of indoor plants typically demands consistent care, a task that not everyone can perform regularly.Additionally, limited living space can pose challenges for individuals interested in cultivating indoor plants.

Literature Review 2.1. SDG
The United Nations has put forth a set of Sustainable Development Goals, comprising 17 goals and 169 specific targets, serving as a global initiative to address poverty, safeguard the environment, and strive for universal peace and prosperity by 2030.Among the objectives to be addressed is the aim to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third through preventive measures and treatment, with an emphasis on promoting mental health and overall well-being.This includes reducing mortality rates associated with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses, as well as mortality rates linked to household and ambient air pollution.

Product Personality Scale
The product's visual attributes encompass all the characteristics of the product that are observable and can be perceived by society when they view the product.The visual presentation of a product is regarded as a potent tool for gaining a competitive edge in the market.Differences in appearance among various product versions serve as a means of setting them apart.Product variations available in distinct sizes, colors, and/or shapes establish the differentiating factors necessary for achieving a competitive advantage.It is postulated that the range of appearances can be linked to personality traits.Products exhibiting varying appearances are anticipated to possess distinct product personalities.To assess this diversity in forms, multiple respondents are asked to provide ratings to determine which form best embodies the desired character.This data collection process allows for iteration and the development of a comprehension of existing personality traits [3].

Kobayashi Color Combination Image Scale
Kobayashi and his team at the Nippon Color & Design Research Institute conducted a study where they correlated 130 primary colors and over 1,000 color pairings with 180 essential keywords.This approach enables the expression of various moods, lifestyles, or tastes through the creative utilization of color combinations.The study showcased 130 distinct colors and 9 specific color pairings, highlighting the individual character and unique appeal of each color.Color combinations can be perceived as delivering a unified impact by incorporating gradients or dominant colors.The Color Combination Drawing Scale effectively illustrates the nuanced distinctions among different color pairings.Within the confines of the provided sample combinations, a visual representation of the color pairing can be observed in real-time [4].

Plant for Effective Air Quality Improvement and Stress Reliever
Engaging in active interactions with indoor plants can lead to a reduction in both physiological and psychological stress when compared to engaging in mental work.This reduction is achieved through the inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system's activity and a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.Additionally, individuals report increased feelings of comfort, tranquillity, and a sense of natural well-being [5].In studio apartments, indoor plants with a combined leaf area of 500cm² have demonstrated the capability to effectively reduce indoor air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds), formaldehyde, and other pollutants by up to 92%, surpassing the air quality in studio apartments lacking indoor plants.The combination of CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) and C3 plants has proven to be a highly effective pairing.According to botanical principles, CAM plants typically absorb carbon dioxide during the night, while C3 plants release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere [2].

Sustainable design and materials
Sustainability is currently a pervasive consideration in various aspects of our lives, with a particularly notable presence in the field of design.Sustainability in design refers to a design approach that considers environmental, social, and economic considerations [8].This can be simplified as the creation of products or artifacts that are economically profitable over an extended period, do not harm societal fairness, and have minimal adverse effects on the environment.One of the key attributes of sustainable design pertains to the materials used.Sustainable materials should exhibit specific characteristics [6], [7], [8], including environmental friendliness, biodegradability, and low toxicity.Additionally, they should be efficiently utilized, minimize waste generation, utilize local resources, and be recyclable.

Methods
The research employed an exploratory approach, encompassing data collection through literature reviews, surveys of participants, design processes, and subsequent discussions.The aim was to gather valuable insights related to the development of a pegboard design capable of alleviating stress and optimizing desk space.

Product Personality Survey
The Product Personality Survey results indicate that, among three potential choices (pegboard, pedestal, and desk stand), the preferred addition for decluttering a home office desk is the pegboard.Additionally, the survey revealed that the most common desk size is 120x60 cm, closely followed by 150x60 cm.Other insights gathered from the survey include a preference for table-mounted feet on the pegboard and a magnetic surface to optimize space utilization.
The Product Personality Survey also served as a benchmark for pegboard design and color selection, aiming to create a perception of the pegboard as "Simple, Stylish, Modern, Coherent, Rugged, and Organic." Figure 2 shows the color combinations were determined based on the Shigenobu Kobayashi Color Combination Image Scale.These findings from the survey served as the foundational elements for shaping the design of the pegboard, as seen in Figure 1.

Material and Design
The overall pegboard design is a culmination of insights gathered from the product personality survey and the application of the plant's capability to enhance indoor air quality by reducing pollutants.With a focus on modularity, as depicted in Figure 3, the pegboard design offers flexibility to adapt to different table sizes, accommodating both 120 cm and 150 cm tables.
user-friendliness, a magnetic assembly approach is employed for the pegboard's modules, allowing users the freedom to arrange them as desired on the pegboard surface.
The pegboard surface itself combines an iron plate with wood veneer finishing for an appealing aesthetic and plywood for added strength.The modules with magnets are also thoughtfully designed using recycled HDPE to enhance rigidity and promote an eco-friendly appearance.Additionally, the mounting mechanism is engineered for easy installation, as illustrated in Figure 4.
To simplify indoor plant care, a specialized module geared toward plant enthusiasts is created, featuring an acrylic front that provides a clear view of soil humidity.This feature assists users in determining when it's time to water their plants.These plants contribute significantly to purifying indoor air near the user.The choice of colors for both the pegboard and its modules follows the concept of complementary colors, with accent colors highlighting the overall pattern.Environmentally conscious materials are prioritized, including biodegradable and recyclable plywood.Recycled HDPE serves as the primary material for the magnetic modules affixed to the pegboard.

Conclusion
This study tackles the issues arising from increased exposure to indoor pollutants and the stress experienced during extended indoor stays, particularly during the pandemic.It underscores the positive attributes of indoor plants, renowned for their air-purification capabilities and stressreducing qualities.Furthermore, the research acknowledges the significance of organizing indoor spaces to alleviate stress, with pegboards emerging as a practical solution to achieve this objective.
The primary aim of this study is to introduce an innovative solution: a modular magnetic pegboard system equipped with tailor-made modules.This versatile pegboard system serves a dual purpose.Firstly, it streamlines organization, effectively reducing the stress associated with cluttered workspaces.Secondly, it facilitates indoor plant care, making it accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, including those with limited horticultural knowledge.The study places a strong emphasis on user-friendly design, adaptability to various table sizes, and the utilization of environmentally conscious materials, such as recycled HDPE and biodegradable plywood, in line with a commitment to enhancing indoor well-being while minimizing the environmental footprint.This material selection aligns with sustainability principles.
By addressing concerns related to indoor air quality, stress reduction, and efficient organization, this innovative approach significantly contributes to the creation of healthier and more harmonious living and working environments.In summary, the introduction of this multifunctional pegboard system represents a substantial leap forward in enhancing indoor spaces.It not only promotes well-being and stress reduction but also advocates for the benefits of indoor plants in an accessible and environmentally friendly manner.This solution hopefully supports Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

Figure 1 .
Figure 1.Five Pegboard Design Alternatives Based on Survey Findings

Figure 3 .
Figure 3. Concept Design and technical drawing of Magnetic Modular Pegboard

Figure 4 .
Figure 4. Implementation of Magnetic Modular Pegboard