Kinda ambitious idea, but I was thinking a really good way to denote to players that their statuses are being effected in game would be the use of small thought bubbles similar to the sims games.
I think it would be really useful for a ton of reasons, including the use of these bubbles for crafting.
I was thinking it would be interesting for your character to get a thought about items he or she is able to build when picking up a new item. For instance if I have a hammer some nails and a board maybe he would think over his head a little icon showing the items boarding a window or door.
I think many people have remarked on UI in the game to different degrees. I for one think you guys did a good job considering the level of complexity, but I think any ways to improve it with the same art style and theme of the game would be really cool.
picture.... related?