Prenatal Bonding
2013
Responsibilities: Research, Concept Development, Design Refinement, Graphic Design, UX Design.
Assignment
Refine the integration of wearable health technology through application of a consistent design language to a family of forms.
The true potential of wearable technology is to enhance the human experience by improving quality of life. This is achieved through integration of a product into a person's lifestyle.
People make room for things that matter.
There are 4 million live births annually in the United States. Of these, 14.5% will face complications. Both pre- and post-natal bonding are instrumental in the healthy mental development of a child, and significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.
Hearing is the first sense to develop in the womb. The fetal heart rate increases upon exposure to familiar sounds. After birth, infants can recognize sounds and voices heard in the womb.
How can sound be used as a tool?
Assessment
There is no shortage of maternity products, but they all address different problems. Few have any sort of longevity through a child's early life. It was in their union that the opportunity of innovation lay.
Goal
Extend the benefits of prenatal bonding from pregnancy through preschool.
Initial form studies illuminated the benefit of a circular, concave forms. The circular geometry of the device facilitates its recognition as a stethoscope or speaker. It also allows for the ever-changing circumference of a pregnant belly.
A low-radiation, non-ionizing chip is used to ensure safety for both mom and the developing baby. The speakers are covered with a waterproof silicone membrane - in case it doubles as a teething ring.
The wearable device uses a digital stethoscope to monitor the fetal heart rate as it responds to audio stimuli. Speakers in the device play sounds directly to the baby.
To accommodate the full schedule of new parents, the device adapts to the changing needs of the baby. As the pregnancy and child develop and progress, so do the features and functions.
While directly speaking to the baby, family and friends can get instant audible heart rate feedback on their mobile device.
An absent loved one can communicate directly with the baby by placing a call to the device, staying involved in the pregnancy while away.
After the baby is born, the device functions as a baby monitor and sound machine when docked. In response to the baby's cry, familiar sounds and songs are played for comfort.
With the device docked, just a swipe of the finger transforms it into an adjustable night light, keeping monsters at bay.
During pregnancy, decibel level and playback time automatically adjust to align with the sensitivity of developing ears. After birth, these features can be manually adjusted through the app.
Attention to detail is present in the execution of both physical and digital. This system maintains visual neutrality, cleanliness, and delicacy, while providing clinical assurance of child safety.
With the ability to adapt to baby's needs through early childhood, the need for an army of devices is significantly reduced.
