Find tranquil in modern living for sound-sensitive individuals
Overview
Highly sensitive persons (HSPs) possess a unique trait known as sensory-processing sensitivity, characterized by a heightened responsiveness to environmental stimuli. About 15-20% of the human population possess this trait. If you often feel overwhelmed by noise, lights, or other sensory inputs, you might be one too — take the test here. As an HSP myself, I know firsthand the challenges and rewards of navigating life with this sensitivity. This experience inspired me to design an app that empowers HSPs to enhance their well-being by providing practical tools and guidance. The app also aims to help those who may not yet realize they are highly sensitive discover solutions to their "unrecognized problems" and ultimately find a sense of ease and belonging in their daily lives.
Impact
Received positive user feedback from user testing with our target users!
Role
Product designer
Team
Product manager
Scope
Concept research, user research, rapid prototyping, user testing
Why this project
15-20% of the human population are highly sensitive (to sounds)
Highly sensitive person (sensory-processing sensitivity), is an innate trait associated with increased sensitivity of the central nervous system and heightened responsiveness to environmental stimuli. Sound sensitivity is one of the most common characteristics.
Data from current research
These sound-sensitive individuals can feel overwhelmed by environmental stimuli, struggling to find quiet places or feel at ease.
Final solution
01 / Find Peace
Personalized Recommendations of Quiet Spots
Receive tailored content based on the user's noise exposure history, location, and preferences
02 / Stay mindful
Real-time Noise Monitor
Smart wristband equipped with a noise sensor to continuously monitor the surrounding sound level. Users can receive immediate noise-relevant alerts on both mobile app and wristband.
03 / Give Feedback
Simple & Easy User Feedback
Provide quick feedback on comfort and quietness of their visits. Help the system learn your likes and dislikes.
Designing for a niche user group has taught me…
Early Concept Validation is Crucial When Experimenting
Conducting early concept validation is absolutely essential. Utilizing low-fidelity designs and sketches not only helps convey ideas but also allows for greater adaptability and detachment from initial concepts.
Considering how screen sizes affect product content and interaction patterns is key; for example, users may prefer reading lengthy educational content on smaller phone screens.
Design with Success Metrics in Mind
In this project, when user feedback is critical for personalization, forms should be easy to fill out and designed to be frictionless, minimizing mental load and enhancing completion rates.
While colors can be subjective, they significantly shape emotions experienced. This understanding should guide the selection and application of primary brand colors in my designs.
Ensure Alignment with Design Goals
It's easy to become engrossed in the details. so I found that regularly checking to ensure that the design and interactions still serve the defined design goals is vital to maintaining focus.