NoStressBand

UX Research / UX Design / HCI Design / Usability Testing

Overview

The autoethnographic (first-person) approach of the NoStressBand project started to help find coping mechanisms for stress. By understanding the responses to stress and creating a positive coping technique, the project was able to assist in stress reduction.

The autoethnographic process was beneficial in understanding the lived experience and informing the design of a wearable prototype for health and well-being by encouraging deep breathing during stressful situations.

My Role

UX Researcher, HCI Designer, & Product Designer

Duration

5 months

Tools

Inside-Out Probe Workbook, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Fritzing, Arduino IDE, Embroidery, Pen & Paper

GI Conference 2022 Poster Video

NoStressBand - Video.mp4

Design Process

This design process were the series of steps that I took to turn the idea into the wearable prototype. Even though this process might seem very linear it was ever evolving and iterative.

This process is a generalized form of the UX design process that was modified to suit this project. The initial data collection helped inform the design, the design and development where iterative, and once the prototype was finalized the prototype was tested and adjusted to be effective.

Discover & Define: Inspiration & Research

To prepare for this project, I started by performing extensive literature research on previously tested methods to reduce stress. This research helped me to focus on possible paths for my project.

Wearable Technology (Wearables)

Electronic devices that can be worn as accessories, embedded in clothing, implanted in the user's body, or even tattooed on the skin. The devices are hands-free gadgets with practical uses, powered by microprocessors.

Breath Awareness

Is a core part of yoga and meditation, and can play a crucial role in reducing one's stress and anxiety levels through deep breathing.

Autoethnographic Research

Collecting valuable data around the researcher’s own experience to inform a technical design.

Body Mapping

Is a visual representation of a person's experience in aspects of their lives, and their bodies through the use of drawing, painting or other art-based techniques.

Problem Statement & Assumed Solution

Once I was satisfied with the research I conducted, I created a problem statement and prepared my solution for the problem.

User Research (Inside-Out Probe Workbook)

As stress is perceived differently from person to person, I decided to perform an autoethnographic study using the Inside-Out Probe Workbook developed by Karen Cochrane. This allowed me to create a product specified to my needs by collecting data for 16 days. Then I evaluated the data, and develop an initial prototype based on the findings of the data.

Design Iterations: Conceptualization & Design

After completing the user research with the help of the Inside-Out Probe Workbook, I was able to create a user persona based on the user research.

User Persona

User Flow

Once the user persona was established I moved on to a task flow that descripts how the NoStressBand should reduce stress for the user.

Sketches & Digital Work

After analyzing all the data of the user I started sketching possible appearances of the product.

During the analysis, it was established that a wearable device should be located around the waist. I also recognized that embroidery should be used due to the textures and shapes the user gravitated towards. The colours of the product were determined as these were the colours most used during the drawing and sculpture process of the user research.

Prototype Iterations

Next, I built 4 different iterations for the electrical component of the NoStressBand. These were all first done as Fritzing models and then on an Arduino board.

Once I was satisfied with the electrical components of the product I combined the electrical components with the wearable aspect of the NoStressBand. During this process, I utilized body storming to find the most secure and comfortable fit for the wearable components.

Style Guide

As this project did not consist of any screens the style guide reflects important elements to keep in mind for this wearable project.

The colors reflect the colors gravitated towards by the user in the user research. The embroidered elements are important as tactile elements on the wearable. The patterns selected for the embroidery were chosen as these reflect the calming textures. The location was selected after evaluating the body maps of the user which show gravitation towards the back and stomach regions. Finally, the electronic components were picked for their ability to be compact, detect the right stress response, and oscillate to tighten and loosen the fit of the band.

Evaluate: Validation of Prototype

To validate the prototype and ensure that it functions properly, I conducted a usability study over the course of several days.

Usability Testing

The functioning prototype of the NoStressBand was then usability tested by the user for 8 days. The usability testing required the second half of the Inside-Out Probe Workbook. During the usability test, the user was allowed to adjust the prototype for their benefit.

Once testing was complete the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and thematic analysis were evaluated and compared to the findings of the user research.

Final Prototype

The final mockup of this project shows the wearable from all sides on the user.

Poster

For the submission of this research to the Graphics Interface Conference 2022, I wrote a poster paper that you can view here and I presented this research using the poster below to the conference.

If you are looking for more information about this case study, please contact me!

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