Samantha Chen

After discussing the insomnia tool, I wanted to develop a tool that wasn’t strictly a pillow to help with the disorder.  I developed a diffuser + lamp combination that releases lavender essential oil. There are nobs to control the airflow and natural light. The tool is meant to help provide a more comforting environment to … Continue reading Challenge 2 Part 4

Updates We swapped our project with a team who focused on insomnia as their disorder  They created a pillow with different sensory elements such as a speaker with relaxing music to help those with insomnia fall into deeper sleep  With that, I wanted to focus on creating something that expanded on the original idea My … Continue reading Challenge 2 Part 3

Progress Set up a WeChat group Shared a Google Doc with each other to collaborate on ideas Final Idea: Sensory Sauna The idea was modeled after a sensory deprivation tank Changes between hot and cold water without the user knowing when the water temperature is going to change  Simulates the same shocks that mental illnesses … Continue reading Challenge 2 Part 1

Original ideas developed for our empathy tool Uncomfortable/itchy clothing to simulate how people with Autism are overstimulated by uncomfortable clothing Sensory deprivation tank that alternates between hot and cold water We finally decided on goggles/glasses with different colored lenses to recreate those who have color blindness. 

Little Signals Some of my favorite little signals were ‘rhythm’ and ‘air’. I liked how ‘rhythm’ could generate sounds and how the melody conveys qualities of the information. While it is not the most functional in comparison to ‘tap’, it is the most engaging. Applying Dieter Rams’ principles, ‘rhythm’ is innovative and aesthetic. Application Additionally, … Continue reading Ambient Computing Interfaces

I feel that as we head towards the future, our dependency on technology and the use of it will increase. The way we interact with the world is very intertwined with technology. Looking at it from a surface level, we are constantly physically connected to our laptops, phones, etc. We use these products for school, … Continue reading Future of Technology

Rams and his concept of the least amount of design can apply to screen less design in modern technologies. I agree with the designers and speakers as products are more functional without a screen. A screenless design I use often is Siri. It’s integrated into a design that has a screen (iPad, iPhone, etc.), but … Continue reading Design Discussion Week 8

Industrial Design is “a professional service that optimizes function, value, and appearance for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer”. Simply put, it focuses on design and development of products, UI/UX. Industrial design impacts our world as it focuses on the user and designers aim to create for the needs of users. This further enhances … Continue reading What is Industrial Design?

The article describes prosthetics and the changing technology that continues to improve prosthetics. Reading this piece further deepens my impression of UI/UX. In previous IMB courses, I learned that to design a product, you must have empathy and design products in the perspective of the consumer. As described in the article, those who use assistive … Continue reading Week 6 discussion

With CAD, I find I am still struggling to put together solids so that they can become a physical output. Currently, I am trying to work on demonstrating the hammer aspect of my alarm clock. I am also trying to work on showing the attachment between the two pieces