52 herz Whale
Innovative wearable device & App Design
Projet Overview
Problem
People with hearing impairments often feel isolated and disconnected from society due to the challenges in communication and social interaction. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and social anxiety, similar to the solitary 52 Hertz whale, which sings at a frequency that other whales cannot hear. The lack of awareness and understanding in the community further exacerbates their sense of exclusion.
Despite the benefits of hearing aids in improving social interactions, learning, and work, only about half of the people with hearing impairments use them. Concerns about judgment, bias, and dissatisfaction with the appearance of hearing aids further discourage their use.
Goal
How can we create a sense of belonging and inclusivity for the hearing-impaired in a world that often overlooks their needs?
Project Scope
Online Learning System, Web
Tools
Figma, Protopie, Photoshop
Role
UX designer/ Researcher, User Testing
Team
Collabrate with group of 2 , with feed back from the professor
Duration
2023 6 weeks
Solution
The "52 Hertz Whale" project provides a comprehensive solution for enhancing social inclusion and communication for individuals with hearing impairments. It combines a wearable facial art light and an innovative social app to foster connection and self-expression, addressing both physical and social challenges faced by the hearing-impaired community.
A holistic solution combining wearable technology and a social platform.
The physical wearable device, inspired by the "52-hertz whale," features heart rate-responsive lighting that changes color based on the user's emotional and social state. This non-verbal cue helps bridge communication gaps, making it easier for individuals with hearing impairments to express themselves and connect with others.
The "52 Hertz Whale" app is an artistic social platform designed to connect hearing-impaired individuals. The app fosters connections based on proximity and shared interests, using visual elements like whales. It integrates seamlessly with the wearable device, enhancing social interactions and understanding through heart rate-responsive lighting.
Modling Process
Sketchs
Testing Coding
3D Modling
Testing on Human Model
3D Printing
Change
Material
AR Display
The inclusion of AR elements allows users to personalize their experience by customizing materials and colors, adding a playful touch.
Imagine how adorable it would be if people could create their own little whales and share them on social platforms like TikTok or Instagram in the future. Our intention is to leverage this opportunity to increase societal understanding and acceptance of individuals with hearing impairments.
Design Process
This app aims to address the loneliness experienced by individuals with hearing impairments. By facilitating connections and communication through personalized and proximity-based interactions, the "52 Hertz Whale" app helps users find and connect with each other, reducing feelings of isolation.
Unlike traditional dating apps, this app focuses on fostering genuine connections through artistic expression and shared interests. It prioritizes user privacy and incorporates heart rate-responsive wearable technology to provide non-verbal cues about emotional states, enhancing communication and understanding among users.
1. Customized Registration
We provide extensive customization options based on the user's personality, such as filling in hobbies and using a single word to describe themselves.
This approach enhances user engagement by allowing for more authentic and meaningful connections. It helps users find others with similar interests and personalities, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
2. Social Function
The "52 Hertz Whale" app features a unique social platform that connects users based on their proximity and shared interests. Visual elements like whale icons represent nearby users, making it easy to identify and connect with others who have similar hobbies and personalities.
This proximity-based connection system fosters genuine interactions and helps build a supportive community for individuals with hearing impairments.
3. Lighting Mode
Low heart rate
Normal heart rate
Highly heart rate
The "52 Hertz Whale" app integrates with a wearable device that uses heart rate-responsive lighting to reflect the user's social readiness and emotional state.
There are three different lighting modes: warm and fast for active social readiness, cool and slow for calm states, and a combination for normal states. Users can also customize the light colors to match their preferences. This feature provides non-verbal cues, helping to bridge communication gaps and enhance understanding among users.
