X

Background

This project was developed as part of a school assignment with a predefined context. Below is the project description:

Any action or activity that is repeated regularly becomes some kind of habit or ritual. Our lives are full of them, you might even say they give it meaning. Some habits are considered bad and others for the general good. What is sure is that changing habit can be a method to manifest positive change in the way we live or behave.

The aim is to identify an everyday action or activity, study, distill and adjust this process, redesign any necessary equipment or communication material to encourage it as a habit or ritual for a positive change in the way we live. Alongside this, they should identify a clear context and justify their position in promoting this particular activity.

Identification

During this process, I used brainstorming, surveys, and interviews to narrow down the project scope to a core problem.
Additionally, through my personal interest in reading, I explored the connection between emotions and habits, which helped me define a clearer and more meaningful design goal.

Product

How can emotions be expressed?

THE CONCEPTs

Feasibility Test

Functional Prototype

By using inflation and vibration, the device simulates the sensation of being held or gently shaken by a partner.
Since physical gestures like squeezing vary depending on one's emotional state, the device expresses different moods by adjusting the level of inflation and vibration frequency.

This interaction bridges the physical distance between long-distance couples by creating a sense of emotional closeness.

Textured appearance

As a wearable product, "X" should offer a variety of appearances and material options, allowing it to function not only as an inflatable and vibrating interactive device, but also as a stylish fashion accessory — as the sleeve.

Mobile App

Alongside the physical product, a companion mobile app was developed.
My design considerations for the main user flow are as follows:

The app is designed to be

· minimal and intuitive

· visually appealing and emotionally engaging

HOW IT WORKS

Send your feelings to your partner by controlling the X device on her/his wrist — all through your phone, with just a few taps.

MEET THE X PALS

Every day, a unique X Pal will accompany you — one that reflects how you're feeling.

Through X Pal, you can send your feelings to your partner.

cute button

Whenever boredom hits, your tiny X Pal is here to brighten your day.

Key Feature 1

Each emotion is mapped to a unique combination of vibration frequency and inflation intensity on the X Device.
By adjusting these parameters, you can express and share your feelings with your partner in a more tangible way.

Key Feature 2

The clean homepage layout reduces complexity and enhances user navigation.

Key Feature 3

The Mymy page is here to help you with anything that might come up during your experience.

Scenario

This video illustrates how X fits into everyday moments of a long-distance couple.
It helps bridge the emotional gap caused by physical distance, making feelings more visible and tangible.

The Next ?

This project was originally prototyped in December 2022. However, as I continued to grow as a UX designer, I decided to revisit and refine the concept a year later, in December 2023.

The improvements include:

· Re-evaluating earlier design decisions with a more critical and experienced eye

· Iterating on visual directions and features

· Shifting the app’s concept toward a clearer, more focused direction

As technology and social perceptions continue to evolve, there is still plenty of room to further develop and refine this project.

Some open questions I’m still exploring include:

· Where should the boundary lie between personal space and interaction with a partner?

· In today’s hyper-connected world, should social features be integrated into such a personal, emotion-driven app?