Umi Emotional Connection Products by Sizhe Huang |
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| DESIGN DETAILS | |||||
| DESIGN NAME: Umi PRIMARY FUNCTION: Emotional Connection Products INSPIRATION: Umi is born from a digital paradox: in our hyper-connected world, we find ourselves ensnared in a web of loneliness. This revelation emerged from a deep dive into the digital age's impact on human connection, uncovering a stark absence of tactile interaction. Inspired by the enduring power of simple human gestures, from the warmth of a handwritten note to the comfort of a gentle touch, Umi aims to reintegrate these sensory experiences into digital communication. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Umi introduces a novel approach to digital communication by blending physical objects, the Pebble and Nest, with an intuitive app. It allows digital expressions to be felt physically, a feature absent in current communication tools. It makes distant conversations feel close and personal by turning virtual messages into real-world interactions through touch and presence. Umi's strength lies in its simplicity and making technology feel more human, offering a unique blend of emotional engagement. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Start with the Umi app to personalize your Pebble and Nest, and invite friends to participate. After exchanging Umi sets, users link their devices with the app. Interactions through Umi are intuitive: a touch on the Pebble sends a signal, creating a physical sensation of touch for the recipient through their device. Voice messages are similarly easy to exchange, with the Nest playing the message upon placement of the phone. This setup enables straightforward, tactile, and auditory communication, enhancing the way users connect from afar. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in January 2022 and finished in June 2022 in Los Angeles. FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Idea and Conceptual Design |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The Pebble uses haptic tech for a realistic touch feel, made from a tactile material boosting sensory interactions. The Nest has NFC and Bluetooth, linking easily to phones and playing voice messages instantly. The Umi and Apple Watch apps provide a cohesive digital journey, utilizing modern API and machine learning for live, tailored touch and voice exchanges. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Product Dimensions: Umi Pebble: Width 46mm x Depth 46mm x Height 16mm Umi Nest: Width 40mm x Depth 40mm x Height 60mm Umi App: Platforms Supported: iOS (iPhone) watchOS (Apple Watch) TAGS: Tangible Connectivity, Emotional Resonance, Digital-Tactile Fusion, Human-Centric Design, Sensory Experience, Virtual Intimacy, Innovative Communication, Personal Tokens, User Experience Design, Interaction Design RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Through expert interviews and user surveys, I explored the role of tactile feedback in enhancing digital communication’s emotional depth. The objective was to blend physical sensations with digital interactions, addressing the lack of warmth in current technologies. The research identified a demand for features like haptic feedback and personalized avatars, leading to Umi’s development. User testing of prototypes refined the design, emphasizing simplicity and emotional connection. CHALLENGE: The challenge in creating Umi was twofold: ensuring it adapts to varied user environments while maintaining emotional authenticity. I strived to capture genuine feelings in a digital format, a task requiring a delicate balance between technology and human emotion. Additionally, harmonizing tactile feedback with visual elements was essential, aiming for a design that felt natural and intuitive across different scenarios, enriching the user's emotional experience without compromise. ADDED DATE: 2023-09-08 00:31:00 TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Sizhe Huang IMAGE CREDITS: Sizhe Huang |
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| Visit the following page to learn more: https://www.stellaszh.com/umi | |||||
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NAME: Sizhe Huang PROFILE: A designer committed to integrating user-centric designs into every digital touchpoint, consistently delivering intuitive and engaging experiences that seamlessly fit into the user's daily life. With a staunch belief in a human-centered design approach, the mission is to shape a vibrant and forward-thinking digital landscape. |
| AWARD DETAILS | |
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Umi Emotional Connection Products by Sizhe Huang is Winner in Interface, Interaction and User Experience Design Category, 2023 - 2024.· Press Members: Click here to request a exclusive interview about Umi Emotional Connection Products from Sizhe Huang. · Click here to view the profile and other works by Sizhe Huang. |
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