The rate of mental health problems, specifically anxiety, has steadily increased over the years. As young adults are going through a developmental time period in their lives, the age of onset for lifetime mental health problems directly coincides with college years.

problem statement

what products and systems currently exist?

There is an opportunity for the system to combine physical + digital elements with both high tech and low tech elements. This aims to provide a holistic multi-sensory experience while utilizing tech in a non-obtrusive way.

system design goals

incorporating machine learning

In order to provide the best individual feedback to the user, I will be incorporating machine learning into the wearable device and sensory device. High level, It will flow something like this..

initial exploration

Initial ideation to explore the sizes and shapes of the devices in relation to the hands and wrist.

understanding the necessary tech components | sensory device

In order to make sure the form factors were proportionally correct to the internal components, it was important to know what would need to be included in the housing.

understanding the necessary tech components | wearable device

consumer interviews

7 in depth interviews were completed where users were first grounded in the concept, then gave interactive feedback in regards to the overall concept, ergonomics, and aesthetics via the online platform, Miro. Each section was temporarily hidden in order to prevent bias. Prototypes were shown in person.

summary of learnings

CAD mockups for 3D prints

Initial CAD mockups for the sensory device form as well as the wearable device interface were made. These explore a wide variety of shapes and sizes in order to further test on.

human factors analysis

Asking users to pick their favorite forms as well as any likes and dislikes for the sensory device and the wearable device.

final design considerations | sensory device

final design considerations | wearable device

inspirational board | physical product color

Taking inspiration from the 24/25 product color forecast on WGSN, this palette combines a combination of warm mid tones balanced with neutrals and pastels that help to evoke a sense of calm.

inspirational board | digital interface color

Taking inspiration from the 24/25 product color forecast on WGSN, this palette expands on the color trends of our physical and digital worlds by combining energizing brights with grounded neutrals.

color + brand name | testing with users

material + finish | testing with users

user journey

physical product color guide

style guide | branding + user interface

physical product materials

After further discussion with users and peers, it was decided that a soft touch plastic would be used as a final body material instead of metal.

general proportions + size

features

tech components | sensory device

tech components | wearable device

details

colorways

interface design | wearable device + sensory device

After the wearable device outputs a recommendation, the sensory device is able to take that specific recommendation and output it in “auto-mode”, with the baseline coping mechanisms being deep breathing, calm vibrations, and audio prompts. Each one of these has specific adjustments that can be changed to better fit the users’ needs. 

interface design | app

physical prototypes

Final ‘looks like’ prototypes were developed with the assistance of the 1819 Innovation Hub and their SLA 3D printers. After these were 3D printed, I was able to laser cut acrylic to simulate a touch screen, sand, and spray paint the models.