Repose is an entry in the
next generation of wearables.
It’s a wellness product ecosystem
that offers relief through gentle haptic feedback for women who suffer
from anxiety disorder.
If you suffer anxiety, you know how debilitating it is. Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental health problems and are the number one mental health problem in women. Anxiety is directly influenced by our breathing patterns. By applying dynamic breathing methods, we effect how the mind is working, and reduce anxiety.
CHALLENGE
I asked ‘how might I apply technology to encourage breath work in an effort to control anxiety?’
SOLUTION
Repose provides guidance in a dynamic breath work pattern that calms the user via parasympathetic nervous system. Unlike breath work apps, Repose increases the user's awareness of breathing mechanics.
PROTOTYPES
I used a knitting machine to construct the prototype for Repose. Through a combination of sensors, the compression technology, woven into a chevron pattern, learns a body's resting rates and detects when they are elevated due to stress. Repose would then gently compress, hold and release along the 'lines of non-extension' in a breathwork pattern until the person's vital signs return to homeostasis.
In consideration of when a person removes the garment, I designed and prototyped a bluetooth-recharging hanger.
DESIGN
Once registered, the phone app provides a dashboard which displays a person's stress and use data. Phone and watch apps also allow a user to proactively engage in and practice breath work at their own discretion.
Repose Design Process
RESEARCH + ANALYSIS
I conducted secondary research and interviews with those suffering anxiety.
I also collected information about the physical symptoms of anxiety attacks and did competitive analysis into the wellbeing space to see what products existed to address this health problem.
CONCEPT POSTERS
Different concepts the project could address ultimately led to a device addressing the needs of a person suffering anxiety.
STORYBOARD
Storyboarding tells the experience of a woman who would wear the device – from purchase to actual use.
BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS
Experimenting with different business models helped improve the focus and clarity of what Repose was trying to achieve.
PRODUCT SKETCHES
I studied the anatomy and mechanics of this type of belly breathing and designed a device that applies gentle compression pressure along the ‘lines of non-extension’.
ECOSYSTEM MAP
Illustrates the larger system and broader context in which Repose lives. Supporting information and data are conveyed via laptop and mobile devices.
BEHAVIOR MAP
Displays the sensors and behaviors of the tank top. Using PPG, BVP, HRV, EDA, ECG sensors in combination can detect anxiety.
USER FLOW
WIREFRAMES
An animated logo assists with visualizing breath work in coordination with the tank top.
KNITTING MACHINE
The learning curve for machine knitting was formidable, yet rewarding.
YARN STUDIES
These studies led to a silk and linen yarn (far right) that would best showcase the compression technology woven into the chevron pattern, while remaining comfortable to wear.
PRODUCT USE + DISTRIBUTION TOUCHPOINTS
The full product experience was integrated along the different channels in order to instill trust in the brand.
STYLE TILE STUDIES
The logo, identity system and color palette position the brand in the wellness space alongside category leaders like Goop and Moon Juice.
BRANDING
PRODUCT PACKAGING
Friendly language and easy-to-understand graphics minimize and simplify on-boarding and help feel comfort wearing the garment.
VIDEO STORYBOARD
Explores the brand voice and messaging.
