Social enterprise thinking involves using business tools to address social needs and create positive change. This approach was employed to develop a solution for E-motion, as it is inherently human-focused and the project had a significant social component. To complete this project effectively, the human-centered design approach was used as a framework for each step of the design thinking process.
To determine the best solution that would effectively meet users' needs, a decision-making exercise was conducted. A decision matrix with weighted criteria was created to evaluate and score potential solutions, leading to the selection of the optimal choice.
The decision matrix began with identifying and listing relevant criteria based on the problem statement. These criteria were then rated for their relevance, which helped in pinpointing the top five criteria to include in the matrix. Each criterion was assigned a weight, with a rating scale of 1 to 5, where 5 indicated the highest relevance.
Solutions were evaluated against the criteria in the matrix and scored on a scale of 1 to 5 for each criterion. The scores were multiplied by the respective weights, and the total score for each solution was calculated by summing these weighted scores.
The final selected solution was a mobile application that includes features such as emotional state tracking, activity tracking and scheduling, guided and unguided meditations, and emotion sharing with friends and family. It is supported by smartwatch heart sensors for HRV tracking and includes a multifunctional essential oil diffuser for both home and office aromatherapy. The diffuser features a touch screen for meditation, music listening, and emotion state display. Additionally, the diffuser will update the mobile app on the user's stress relief activities and emotional state.
The decision matrix began with identifying and listing relevant criteria based on the problem statement. These criteria were then rated for their relevance, which helped in pinpointing the top five criteria to include in the matrix. Each criterion was assigned a weight, with a rating scale of 1 to 5, where 5 indicated the highest relevance.
Solutions were evaluated against the criteria in the matrix and scored on a scale of 1 to 5 for each criterion. The scores were multiplied by the respective weights, and the total score for each solution was calculated by summing these weighted scores.
The final selected solution was a mobile application that includes features such as emotional state tracking, activity tracking and scheduling, guided and unguided meditations, and emotion sharing with friends and family. It is supported by smartwatch heart sensors for HRV tracking and includes a multifunctional essential oil diffuser for both home and office aromatherapy. The diffuser features a touch screen for meditation, music listening, and emotion state display. Additionally, the diffuser will update the mobile app on the user's stress relief activities and emotional state.
The purpose of this research was to develop a distinctive design language for the client’s product. After discussing design inspirations with the client, it was decided to draw from Philippe Starck’s design language to achieve a recognizable yet simple aesthetic. Further investigation into Starck’s design style revealed three key components to incorporate.
A prevalent feature in Starck’s designs is the use of a flat base for the body, providing a clean and stable foundation.
Another common element is the use of tapering in legs and/or body shapes, adding a dynamic and elegant form to the design.
Starck’s designs often feature curved or rounded bodies, contributing to a smooth and cohesive visual appeal.
By integrating these elements, the product will embody a design language that is both distinctive and aligned with Philippe Starck’s aesthetic principles.
A prevalent feature in Starck’s designs is the use of a flat base for the body, providing a clean and stable foundation.
Another common element is the use of tapering in legs and/or body shapes, adding a dynamic and elegant form to the design.
Starck’s designs often feature curved or rounded bodies, contributing to a smooth and cohesive visual appeal.
By integrating these elements, the product will embody a design language that is both distinctive and aligned with Philippe Starck’s aesthetic principles.
Hand sketching was used to explore and visualize the function and form of the diffuser. The ideation process included multiple rounds of sketching, followed by affinitization, and a second round of sketching to refine designs in line with the designer's research and final product decisions.
The first round focused on sketching designs that addressed each criterion of the design language individually, while also considering the integration of other criteria. This resulted in a range of two-dimensional sketches, each exploring different forms and concepts.
The sketches were grouped and evaluated based on their alignment with the brand’s design language and the product’s functional requirements. Groups were labeled as one, two, or three, with each number representing a set of sketches that could potentially form a product with a unique shape and functionality.
In the second round, sketches from the same group were combined into simple two-point perspective drawings. This approach integrated elements from each sketch, ensuring that both the design language and functional requirements were met. Ultimately, Group One was selected for further development as it best embodied the designer’s design language and met the functional criteria effectively.
The first round focused on sketching designs that addressed each criterion of the design language individually, while also considering the integration of other criteria. This resulted in a range of two-dimensional sketches, each exploring different forms and concepts.
The sketches were grouped and evaluated based on their alignment with the brand’s design language and the product’s functional requirements. Groups were labeled as one, two, or three, with each number representing a set of sketches that could potentially form a product with a unique shape and functionality.
In the second round, sketches from the same group were combined into simple two-point perspective drawings. This approach integrated elements from each sketch, ensuring that both the design language and functional requirements were met. Ultimately, Group One was selected for further development as it best embodied the designer’s design language and met the functional criteria effectively.
Overall, the project was a success. The digital prototype effectively represented the key features of both the physical and digital solutions, and it was very well received by stakeholders, who were eager to start the development process.
This project underscored the importance and value of mental health. Stakeholders expressed, that the diffuser’s approach to emotional awareness and stress relief methods could have the potential for collaboration with brands like Headspace and Calm.
Despite the prototype being of lower fidelity than initially planned, stakeholders felt that it still showcased the potential of the product. This project also highlighted an opportunity for the mobile application to be monetized for therapist-to-patient communication and monitoring.
