Itda
Seojung Park
In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle to spend time with their loved ones, leading to feelings of distance and longing. Having experienced this myself, I deeply empathize with those searching for ways to feel more connected despite physical separation.
Itda (잇다), meaning “to connect” in Korean, is a project that reinterprets the traditional Korean wind chime, better known as a pungyeong (풍경). Traditionally placed in and around the home, the pungyeong symbolized a connection between nature and people through sound and movement. Itda is a DIY hanging mobile kit inspired by this cultural significance, which users can assemble and place in meaningful spaces. Like a traditional pungyeong, it gently moves and produces subtle sounds, acting as a reminder of presence. Without direct communication, it fosters an emotional connection, offering a quiet yet profound way to feel close to loved ones.
Itda isn’t about constant interaction—it’s about feeling a presence, even from afar. Its gentle movement and soft sounds serve as a quiet reminder of the people and places that matter most. Without relying on screens or digital messages, Itda blends old and new to reinforce a sense of continuity across time and space, making connection tangible and sensorial. This project suggests that design can strengthen emotional bonds in a world dominated by digital communication.