Interaction Design
Enchanted Objects
In our highly connected world, the fast blend of new technologies into daily life has led to a growing feeling of being overwhelmed and worried. In this digital world, real human connections seem to lessen, which could make feelings of aloneness even worse.
This abstract suggests a new idea, focusing on improving a part of a real object – drums – to ignite a fresh sense of purpose and achievement. By using this creative tool, individuals start a personal journey of self-improvement, like a do-it-yourself therapy. Technology, while important, takes a helpful role, giving energy to the product and fitting with the main aim of making society better.
Project Scope
Interaction Design
User Centred Design
Internet Of Things
Technological Balance
Project Philosophy
Inspired by David Rose's profound insights into the realm of "Enchanted Objects," I, as a UX designer, am enthusiastically embracing his philosophy as the driving force behind an exciting new project. Rose's concept of blending technology with tangible objects to create a harmonious synergy resonates deeply with my approach to user experience design.
Intrigued by his belief that technology can enrich our lives without overshadowing the physical world, I worked on a mission to infuse this spirit into my work. My project aims to breathe life into everyday objects, turning them into interactive and captivating entities that seamlessly integrate into users' lives. As Rose wisely states, "When designed well, these objects will become our everyday companions, changing our routines and our interactions."
With Rose's principles as my guide, I am committed to crafting enchanting user experiences that transcend the screen and bring a touch of magic to the tangible world. By leveraging the Internet of Things and innovative design techniques, I intend to create products that not only enhance functionality but also evoke emotional connections. This project encapsulates the essence of Rose's vision while embracing the contemporary demands of our interconnected society.
As I delve into this venture, I am reminded of Rose's words: "The future of the Internet of Things is not about the things, but the experiences they provide." It is this sentiment that propels me forward, as I strive to bring his vision to life in a way that enriches users' interactions with technology, fosters a sense of wonder, and ultimately enhances their connection to the world around them.
Problem Identification
I engaged in insightful conversations with a group of eight individuals, diving into their experiences and emotions. Through these qualitative interviews, a common thread emerged, many of my interviewees were grappling with diverse and intense feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety. It became clear that these emotions were significantly affecting their well-being.
What struck me was the shared sentiment of feeling somewhat lost, like a sense of being physically present but lacking a feeling of purpose or achievement. This absence of accomplishment seemed to cast a shadow over their lives, adding to their challenges.
This insight formed a crucial foundation for my UX design project. Understanding these issues illuminated the significance of creating digital experiences that went beyond mere functionality. I felt compelled to design interactions that addressed these emotional needs, fostering a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and connection.
By translating these insights into tangible design elements, I aimed to create a product that resonated on a deeper level, offering support, empowerment, and a renewed sense of worth. It was through empathetic design that I hoped to make a meaningful impact on users' lives, helping them navigate their emotional journeys with greater resilience and support.
Solution
The solution to this challenge emerged in the form of music therapy, a response that resonated with many interviewees who had long desired to play a musical instrument but never pursued it. Notably, all of my interviewees displayed a familiarity with technology. It was during my research journey that I stumbled upon the book "Enchanted Objects," which further sparked my interest.
By leveraging music therapy, users could attain a series of achievements, offering them an avenue to alleviate stress and enhance their self-assurance. This approach held the promise of contributing positively to their overall well-being.
Qualitative & Quantitative Research
During my qualitative research phase, I engaged in interviews with eight individuals. These conversations aimed to uncover shared interests and challenges they face with everyday objects, while also delving into their broader life experiences. The primary goal was to gather insights pertinent to the objects they interact with daily, exploring the emotions these objects evoke and identifying aspects of their routines they might want to alter.
My inquiries revolved around various themes, including objects of significance, overall emotional states, both positive and negative, and the strategies they employ to navigate through these emotions, especially the negative ones. Notably, I structured approximately half of the interviews to initiate discussions around objects before transitioning into emotional topics. The remainder of the conversations unfolded organically, mirroring the natural flow of dialogue. This approach allowed me to extract rich insights into the intricate relationships people share with their possessions and the emotions these interactions evoke.
Insights & Ideation
During my research, a common thread emerged as interviewees shared their challenges, navigating through diverse and intense feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety. The participants often felt as though their presence lacked substance, and they sought relief in temporary remedies like medication, sleep, and music. Interestingly, music emerged as a shared outlet for escapism, with each of my participants turning to it in times of need.
Upon inquiring about musical abilities, it became clear that while most lacked the skills to play an instrument, many expressed a desire to learn. The primary barrier was the perceived expense associated with both purchasing an instrument and obtaining lessons. These insights prompted the inception of the "Drumbada" app idea, which leverages technology to connect transmitters with instruments. This approach enabled users to synchronize with musical rhythms through the app, fostering a sense of accomplishment while learning.
The choice of drums as the foundational instrument for this concept stems from its accessibility and the potential to craft them using DIY methods. By attaching transmitters to these homemade drums, costs remain minimal, limited to transmitter acquisition and WiFi connection. The app thereby not only facilitates musical learning but also nurtures a sense of achievement.
Upon presenting the app concept to my participants, their response was overwhelmingly positive. One participant, while intrigued, couldn't engage due to limited tech literacy. Overall, the idea resonated for multiple reasons, its connection to music, the opportunity for personal accomplishment, and engagement in a physical activity that diverged from constant smartphone usage.
Drumming: A tool therapy for therapy
Drumming has emerged as a compelling therapeutic tool, particularly within the context of my project inspired by the insights of David Rose's book "Enchanted Objects." The notion of enchanted objects, as presented by Rose, aligns with the concept of leveraging drumming for therapeutic purposes.
In the realm of my project, where technology is harnessed to enrich our tangible experiences, the practice of drumming takes on a new dimension. By integrating the principles of the Internet of Things (IoT), I conceptualised a drumming mobile app that establishes connections with transmitters on the drums themselves. This harmonious fusion of technology and musical expression offers a potent mechanism for therapeutic engagement.
Drumming has a unique ability to provide a sense of accomplishment and a channel for emotional release. With the app, users can engage with the drums in an interactive and enchanting way, aligning with Rose's vision of objects that seamlessly blend the natural and technological worlds. This approach transforms the act of drumming into a therapeutic journey, enabling users to channel their emotions, reduce stress, and boost their confidence.
Hypothesis:
In this project, inspired by the principles of "Enchanted Objects," I hypothesized that integrating drumming and technology through the IoT will enhance the therapeutic benefits of drumming. By creating a drumming mobile app that connects to transmitters on the drums, users will be able to experience a heightened sense of accomplishment and emotional release. This interactive and tech-infused approach aligns with David Rose's vision of objects that bridge the gap between the physical and digital realms, ultimately contributing to users' overall well-being. Through user testing and iterative design, I anticipate that this novel blend of drumming and technology will prove to be an innovative and effective tool for therapy, fostering a tangible connection between users and their emotional wellness.
Drumbada
Bringing together technology and people in a balanced way, this idea blends physical activity, musical instruments, and learning. The goal is to help individuals feel a strong sense of achievement and use that feeling to aid in their healing process.
Through a mix of real-world actions and digital tools, "Drumbada" goes beyond typical smartphone use. It uses technology to give users the power to handle their feelings, develop skills, and discover new achievements through drumming. This combined experience, which involves both making music and using technology, aims to help users feel better emotionally and boost their confidence.
Sensors & Transmitter Concept Sketch
The initial sketch of the transmitter below, was a preliminary concept. The details about the materials used for the sensors, charger, and transmitter would benefit from the insights of an industrial designer and engineer. This sketch serves as a starting point to visualize my idea, with the intention of refining it further based on their expertise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the seamless blending of drumming and technology through the app showcases the power of creativity in enhancing therapeutic experiences. This collaboration embodies the central ideas of David Rose's "Enchanted Objects" philosophy, linking the physical and digital realms to offer a special pathway for emotional relief and personal growth.
The success of this approach can be attributed to a few key aspects. Firstly, the app creates a connection between individuals and the therapeutic benefits of drumming, providing a real sense of achievement and connection. The easy connection between the app and the drumming experience aligns with Rose's vision of objects that enrich our lives without overshadowing our face-to-face interactions.
Moreover, the Internet of Things (IoT) concept adds interactivity to the drumming process, turning it into a lively and engaging therapeutic tool. This lively interaction not only enhances engagement but also boosts the overall impact of the experience.
In essence, the effectiveness of this approach is seen in the positive effect it has on users' emotional well-being. By giving an outlet for stress relief, emotional expression, and self-assurance, the app-powered drumming experience embodies the principles of contemporary therapeutic methods while resonating with the core ideas of elevating tangible interactions in our digital era.
Through considerate design, smart technological integration, and a dedication to user-focused experiences, the drumming app exemplifies the potential of "Enchanted Objects" to reshape and enhance our everyday interactions for the better. This innovation underscores the power of the fusion between technology and human expression, ultimately leading to a fresh approach to therapy that empowers users in their journey towards emotional and mental well-being.