OCD and thief
In a shared kitchen divided by a clearly marked boundary line, a sloppy and starving man constantly eyes the apple sitting just beyond his reach—on the obsessively clean side belonging to his neat-freak roommate. Each time he crosses the line, he’s met with disapproving glares. The kitchen becomes a silent battlefield, as the two roommates engage in a quiet but escalating game of wit and will.
Despite all his efforts, the hungry man fails to steal the apple. Exhausted and defeated, he slumps to the floor, expecting a scolding. But to his surprise, the roommate approaches—not to criticize, but to gently offer him a freshly washed apple.
During the early development of this project, I explored several variations of character dynamics between the “OCD roommate” and the “messy thief.” Each set featured a different visual style and personality contrast.
Ultimately, I chose the design in the top left group, where both characters appear more rounded and playful. This style softens the overall tone of the story—transforming what could be an intense conflict into a more lighthearted and heartwarming interaction. The simplified, cute designs allow for exaggerated expressions and physical comedy, while maintaining a sense of charm and relatability.
This is the atmosphere concept design for the kitchen, where the entire space is built on perfect bilateral symmetry. The layout visually reinforces the central conflict: the obsessive-compulsive roommate maintains a spotless, meticulously organized side, while the other side belongs to the messy, food-driven character.
A bold red line divides the space down the middle—symbolizing both a literal and emotional boundary. The OCD character would never allow the other to step into their territory, and the design reflects that tension through clean geometry and contrasting visual cues.
The symmetrical structure not only emphasizes the psychological divide between the two characters, but also enhances the comedic rhythm and clarity of their interactions.
