The Idea of Impuls...
The initial research led to the idea of Impuls: a wearable product that is easy and quick to use while providing helpful results physically and mentally.
The device is designed to be accessible and provide the user with an empowering sense of control over their own mental well-being.
The Question
How can we use speculative design to create a platform to improve stress/anxiety management & understanding for adults with dyspraxia (DCD)?
The Problem
Dyspraxia is often overlooked in adults with many symptoms ignored, leading to confusion surrounding the issue, risking their mental health with stress-induced from everyday activities. There are too many negative implications, which is what people often struggle to address or find a solution to within their own life.
The Approach
I approached this project with sensitivity & consideration, which resonated with user-centric problem solving.
This helped in providing a solution that could help individuals as easily & promptly as possible, as often, induced stress can become harder to manage on a daily basis.
My Role
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Research & data collection, Concept ideation, Copy writing
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UX/ Personas & Journey Mapping
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UI/ Wireframing, Prototyping & Testing
Insights
Many adults have negative assumptions about disorders within themselves or even others, surrounded by stigma leading to stress & lack of self-esteem.
People aren’t fully aware of their own symptoms, hence develop ineffective coping mechanisms
Process
IMPULS
Speculative Design / UX & UI Design
Speculative product design to address mental well-being in adults with developmental disorders & help them gain a sense of control over their lives.
The Product
The device is a neural activity regulator, designed like a patch which can be applied to the skin and can be turned on to start sending regulating frequencies to the brain to maintain calm and focus during moments of extreme stress.
Wear in comfort, with control
I discovered that highly visible devices like hearing aids made the user's disability more prominent & open to assumptions & stigma. Impuls was designed to be worn as discretely as the user would want while still reaping the benefits.
Connectivity
The device has in-built Bluetooth connectivity to the Impuls app, which can be used to monitor the usage and brain activity.
Record & Track
While the connectivity between the app and device allows the user to monitor brain activity, it also keeps track of the duration the device was used in sessions.
Autonomy may be a plus, but to avoid feeling disconnected, an in-app feature connects them to professionals that can provide further support & feedback where needed.
Keeping it simple
The app is designed to be minimal, with a soft typeface and visuals that don’t cause distraction or chaos on screen, appropriate for people with difficulties maintaining focus.
The Website
I created a website that was similarly easy & intuitive to follow with some smooth scroll animation that would be consistent with the overall soothing feeling of the brand.
The main purpose of the website is to inform about the product functions & a platform for users to purchase it from.
I delved into basic front end coding to achieve the final result.
The greatest part about this project was being involved in the UX design process from concept, wireframing to testing as well as developing higher skills in conducting & analysing research.
