VisioLink
A wearable enhancing emotional awareness.
Visually impaired individuals face unique challenges in managing their emotions. VisioLink addresses these challenges by reimagining emotional feedback through a tactile wearable. This concept offers personalized therapeutic experiences that cater to users' emotional states, helping to elevate mood and foster emotional well-being. The concept revolves around offering a range of interactive experiences that cater to users emotional states, be it negative or positive.
Client
Academic Project - Speculative Design
Services
Emotional Design Product Design UI & UX Design User Research & Analysis Accessibility & Inclusivity
Industries
Assistive Technology / HCI
Date
April 2023 - July 2023
VisioLink is a conceptual B2C wearable device designed to enhance emotional awareness and expression for visually impaired individuals, specifically targeting those with low vision and colorblindness (Protonopia). This project explores data manipulation related to personal emotions, providing a range of interactive experiences tailored to the user's current emotional state. A User-Centered Design Process Focused on Tactile Sensitivity: Driven by the unique challenges faced by visually impaired individuals, the design process prioritized simplicity, clear communication, and tactile feedback. Key stages included: Focused User Research: Investigating the use of braille and tactile interfaces for emotional expression in wearables, with consideration for individuals with low vision and colorblindness. Empathic Understanding: Gaining insights into the perceptual experiences of users with Protonopia and low vision, leading to design decisions centered on simplicity, minimal commands, and enhanced tactile feedback. Tactile Interface Development: Engineering a 6x2 dynamic Braille plate system, capable of conveying a range of emotions through raised and lowered pins. Personalized User Scenarios: Creating experiences like motivational quotes delivered through voice guidance and tactile feedback based on sensed bio-signals (heart rate, breathing).
Overall I believe the VisioLink project successfully explored the intersection of wearable technology, tactile interfaces, and emotional data, positioning the concept as a novel approach to enhancing well-being for visually impaired individuals. As my first project on wearables and emotional data, VisioLink was a significant step in my growth as a product designer. It demonstrates a commitment to user-centered design and creating technology that empowers and enhances the lives of individuals with unique needs.