We started out by investigating women experiencing menopause through in-depth, personal interviews. These interviews aimed to foster empathy and understanding, as none of us have gone through menopause ourselves. To enhance our approach, we conducted wardrobe interviews and make tool sessions, utilizing various tools and activities. Additionally, we gained significant insights into designing for meaningfulness, identity, and user-centered design.

In the initial phase, we also were introduced to various technologies, with a particular focus on haptic feedback and we started brainstorming how to integrate it to help with our chosen symptom of mood swings. 

After our discussion with Rikke, we brainstormed ways to visually convey mood swings in a jewelry piece, aiming to raise awareness and encourage healthy conversations about the topic, which Rikke emphasized as important. Inspired by the nostalgic mood rings from our childhood, we conceptualized a bracelet featuring three different colored stones that change color with significant mood fluctuations. Additionally, the bracelet provides a gentle vibration to alert the wearer.

We began sketching our ideas on paper and quickly moved to using Rhino to visualize our concepts, facilitating clearer communication within our team.

This design process differed from our previous ones as we had to consider the integration of technology from the outset. Ensuring that the technological components could be seamlessly incorporated into the wearable was a priority. Consequently, we decided to create a bracelet, as its form factor allowed us to effectively include all the desired functionalities.

After a long process of designing in Rhino, we ended up with MoodEase. A bracelet that vibrates with mood shifts and changes gemstones accordingly. This can act as a conversation starter, enabling wearers to openly discuss their mood changes. Meanwhile, the vibrations offer gentle reminders, keeping wearers attuned to their emotional state. Over the course of a month, your mood data is delivered to you in a physical letter. With MoodEase, managing your mood becomes effortless, allowing you to observe patterns and gain insights into your life—a hassle-free, long-term mood diary.

Technology wise 0ur bracelet utilizes two-point galvanic skin response to monitor sweat particle fluctuations, temperature, and heart rate—key indicators of mood changes. With each shift in mood, the buzzer vibrates in a distinct pattern, offering an uplifting or calming sensation. Simultaneously, a servo motor drives a three-armed gemstone setting, visually reflecting the mood change. Our goal is to engage your senses and evoke a tactile response. All data is stored on a memory chip connected to a Bluetooth device, which then transmits it to your phone. From there, the data is sent to an AI database, generating personalized letters sent directly to you.

We invested significant effort into our branding material to create a more positive narrative around mood swings, menopause, and women’s health. Our goal was to provide women in this phase of life with an opportunity to reflect on their identity and embrace who they truly want to be.