Want to elevate your product design project? Squish it! You’ll create oddly satisfying, head-turning, and relaxing vibes. Here’s why
We’ve all experienced that moment when we gaze at a piece of art or furniture and wonder why it feels so satisfying. It’s when we can’t tear our eyes away, feeling a thrill that makes us want it desperately. The more sophisticated luxury lovers are drawn to pieces designed by top product designers, while the trend-savvy crowd is all about the latest viral sensation on their TikTok’s “For You” page. But everyone, absolutely everyone, loves squished objects. Why are these distorted shapes making our brains so blissfully happy? There are plenty of reasons, and we’re about to spill the beans.
An Oddly Satisfying Phenomenon
Let’s start from the root of that great sensation we get from looking at those squished objects—our brain! It gives rise to an oddly satisfying phenomenon associated with unexpectedly pleasing experiences.
The Two City Collection by Rotganzen for Kelly Wearstler’s Gallery
When we gaze at Kelly Wearstler’s furniture collection, our brain lights up with calm and pleasure. Quite amazing, isn’t it? Research suggests that such content triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine.
The visual appeal of squished items comes from their transformation and the intriguing patterns they create. Even without touching them, they make us imagine their texture. Studies show that just looking at these images can make us feel as though we’re actually touching them, giving us a sense of satisfaction and an almost tactile pleasure.
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Squash, Faye Toogood’s new furniture collaboration with Poltrona Frau
Mindfulness with a Squished Object
Looking at squished objects isn’t just visually and physically satisfying—it’s also a fantastic way to relax and relieve stress. The distorted shapes offer a calming escape from the daily grind.
Research shows that engaging with such visuals can have a soothing effect similar to mindfulness practices, helping us feel emotionally uplifted.
That’s why squished art pieces or furniture are so captivating—they offer both a brief respite and a deeply satisfying sensory experience.
After observing these objects and their calming effect, we can connect this trend to the growing understanding of how furniture, art, and products enhance our well-being at home and in public spaces.
The Bond Between Distorted Shapes and Well-being in Design
Exploring the latest design trends reflect humanity’s journey towards a better world and our personal quest to improve our mental well-being by paying attention to our surroundings. The combination of aesthetics and psychology is almost inevitable.
It’s no surprise that designers are also exploring how the user’s brain works, creating objects that interact with us in a positive way.
The design of squished furniture and shapes in our living spaces and public areas can have a profound impact on our mental well-being. Squished designs, with their unique distortions and playful forms, spark curiosity and delight, contributing to a positive emotional response.
Crafted from polished aluminium, Emma Stocklassa’s Fever Dream mimics the contours of a soft pillow, achieved through the inflation of metal sheets welded together
Welcome to the Soft Era
After discovering that simply looking at a squished object can make us feel its motion and texture—and find it utterly pleasing—we can take a broader look at the design industry today.
Extremely soft and puffy furniture and objects are catching our eyes, creating a warm, welcoming vibe even before we touch the material. Our brains interpret these elements in ways that have a positive impact on both body and soul.
ECAL’s compressed furniture made from biodegradable sponge grows when soaked in water. Graphic by Constanza Coscia
Squeezing Innovation: Craft, Tech, and Sustainability
Founded in 2015 by architects Panos Sakkas and Foteini Setaki, the Rotterdam-based research and design studio The New Raw specialises in “digital craftsmanship,” transforming plastic waste and discarded materials into new forms using robots.
By employing automated yet in-house engineered processes, the studio delves into the imperfect and layered nature of 3D printing, proving that technology can be a wonderful ally in achieving satisfying textures and shapes—and squished objects as well.
The MAGMA series from the New Raw studio represents an innovative approach to treating melted plastic waste as if it were liquid rock, resulting in colourful, solidified lava. Graphic by Constanza Coscia
But Give Me More!
“I try to put as much of myself and my energy into the objects,” explained British designer Faye Toogood to Archiproducts during Fuorisalone 2024, when she presented two of her latest works: the Rude rugs by cc-tapis and the Cosmic collection of upholstery and furniture by Tacchini. “My process is tactile and emotional. I don’t connect with design done at a distance. These biomorphic shapes haven’t been created on a computer; they are discovered by hand.”
Consisting of a sofa, recliner, lamp, cabinet, and mirror, the Cosmic collection is Tacchini’s first design by Faye Toogood. “I wanted to challenge myself to create pieces that have sculptural shape but also softness,” she said. If the Solar sofa is conceived as a stack of quilted cushions, the Orbit coffee table and desk are textured and tactile, while Lunar is a collection of quilted pendant lamps with crumpled paper covers. The Astral wire mesh furniture seems to lack straight lines at first glance. Last but not least, the Stellar mirror appears to be embedded in a cushion.
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Maquettes for the Toogood x Tacchini Cosmic collection
Squishing and Crushing in Contemporary Art
The trend of crushed objects is also making a splash in contemporary art. For over a decade, Alessandra Pasqua has delved into the potential of pictorial, sculptural, and three-dimensional forms. Her work speaks through materials, creating a universe where objects emerge from the interplay between matter and technology, environment, and human emotion.
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Alessandra Pasqua’s BUILDING A SAFE SPACE sculpture, cast bronze