BLOOM
A communication aid
ABOUT: Guided by Carl Ledbetter, adjunct professor and Senior Industrial Designer at Xbox, I was challenged with creating a device aimed at improving mental health.
TEAM: Individual Project
DURATION: 10 weeks
Sense the presence of your loved ones across distance, enabling casual conversations.
A product for individuals seeking connection while living alone.
Hazel Smith
Age: 78
After her husband's recent passing, she struggles with grief and adjusting to living alone, seeking emotional support from her sister who lives across the country.
Melissa and Daniel
Age: 33 and 35
After five years together, Melissa must temporarily move away due to a new job, causing them concern about growing apart.
27%
Americans live alone
75%
couples report phones distract from deep conversations
36%
Americans report “serious loneliness”
During conversations, the presence of a cellphone diminishes engagement quality.
Product goal #1
Remove dependency on phones and distractions.
Product goal #2
Help people connect.
Design Development
Comforting
Convenient
Accessible
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For optimal accessibility, understanding the most comfortable physical interactions was crucial.
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Experimenting to find a comforting form that blends within a variety of locations around the home.
Create groups to connect with close friends and family.
Simple interactions.
Flickering light signaling the presence of your loved ones.
Convenient cord storage.
