STILL Bracelet is the noise level experience re-imagined, which controls the lower white noise level in their surroundings to empower the user to hear better a nearby conversation. Once wearing the bracelet, a user can engage efficiently and without anxiety in a conversation. The user no longer needs to be worried about missing out on a conversation. At the same time, the bracelet offers an opportunity to create awareness through a color change from green, yellow and red about real-time noise levels in the environment. It is similar to a traffic light. Green indicates that surrounding sound levels are normal which is 60 db. Yellow tells the user that sound level is above normal, being 80 db and continuous exposure will lead to a long-term hearing loss. Red is the alarm indicator, telling a user to avoid the exposure of this sound level.
Research
My research focused on how to empower people who are suffering already a mild hearing loss and how wearable IoT could assist afflicted people. The research indicated that people have limited control over noise in their immediate personal surroundings. People can close a window or build a wall noise barrier to avoid loud noise. When a person suffers from a mild hearing trying to follow a conversation in a loud cafe, there is no option to change and control the noise level in their personal surroundings. An afflicted person has no immediate control to lower the noise level to participate in a conversation. As a consequence, someone who suffers mild hearing loss will be isolated and stigmatized solely by not having understood the conversation. As a result of the qualitative and quantitative research, I designed a persona to emphasize with the affected audience to be able to gain an understanding of their needs.
Through research, I discovered that destructive interference frequency technology can mute and lower sound levels in nearby environments. This technology connected with a noise sound sensor empowers users to control their personal surroundings.
Design
Color Code indicates noise is in a loud environment. I created a color code green, orange and red to determine the safe noise level in decibels. Further, I explored the easiest and least invasive way the wearable IoT can be worn by the user.
Prototypes
I built a paper prototype to identify how a user would intuitively use the bracelet, colors, and buttons. This process was tested on users to create a seamless and simple use strategy for the user.
High-Resolution Prototype
Want to know even more about the process? Visit my process report blog
Senior Exhibit Slideshow
Tools
Paper, Scissors, Markers, Plastic Jewelry, Tape, Marker, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Draw, Keyshot, Google Slides, and Google Forms
Interaction Design Studio, Santa Monica College – Faculty Lead Professor Jamie Cavanaugh
Petra Nichols 