Morning Mend
August 2024 - November 2024
I led initial user interviews that informed several iterations of our physical and mobile prototype, conducted a pilot study to gather insights from potential users, and facilitated a comprehensive user study to evaluate a physical prototype in real-world conditions.
Project Overview
Our product is a wristband that simulates tracking of a user’s BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) and hydration levels during a night out, providing real-time feedback via LEDs on the wristband and a companion app. After the night, users can view a personalized recovery plan in the app based on their metrics and preferences, helping them recover more effectively with tailored recommendations.
Digital Mockup of Physical Prototype
GOALS
Create a mobile-wearable system that helps college students, 29% of whom report binge drinking, track routines before and after alcohol consumption to optimize recovery and reduce hangover effects.
CHALLENGES
How can we ensure students drink responsibly, stay hydrated, and avoid nutrient deficiencies? While we can't eliminate drinking, even underage, we can help mitigate the risks and potential harm associated with it.​
OUTCOMES
All participants responded positively to the wristband’s lock-in mechanism for accountability, though some had concerns about forgetting to wear it or unlocking issues. They valued discreet health monitoring but suggested better LED visibility, actionable hydration tips, and research-backed recovery advice for improved engagement.
Team
Harper Hay: Lead UX Researcher
Emanuel Delgado-Jimenez: Lead Interviewer
Josh Smith: Lead UI Designer
Timeline
13 weeks (Aug - Nov 2024)
Roles & Responsabilities
UX Research (Interviews, Surveys), Wearable Design Principles, Interactive Design, User Studies with Physical Prototypes
Status
Completed
Our first pilot focused on brainstorming wearable and mobile technology solutions to address student wellness related to drinking. Through sessions with classmates and potential users, we aimed to develop a wearable device that could help students monitor their alcohol intake, hydration, and vitamin levels.
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​Initial Problem Statement:
How can we ensure students drink responsibly, stay hydrated, and avoid nutrient deficiencies? While we can't eliminate drinking, even underage, we can help mitigate the risks and potential harm associated with it.​
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PILOT 1: UNDERSTANDING USERS
The requirements for the first iteration of our system:
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Helps users prepare for and recover from nights out drinking by tracking key health metrics like hydration, vitamin levels, and sleep patterns.
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provides personalized recommendations for recovery the next day and offers real-time guidance during drinking events to prevent overconsumption, with emergency alerts for medical attention if needed.
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The goal is to replace inconsistent, self-regulated preparation with a structured, data-driven approach to enhance recovery and well-being.
PILOT 2: DESIGN ALTERNATIVES & EXPLORATION
As we explored potential wearable devices to address our problem statement, we considered three possible solutions:
Vitamin Ring
Lock-In Band
Ear Monitor
Based on our user research, we discovered that all participants had established routines for before and after a night of drinking. This insight was greatly beneficial for our technology, as we aim to seamlessly integrate into these routines.​
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We developed three wearable technology designs to address our problem statement. Our goal was to create designs that are easily integrated into daily routines, discrete, and functional.
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We incorporated various wearable sensors to enhance design functionality.
PILOT 3: SYSTEM PROTOTYPE & EVALUATION PLAN
System Prototype Description:
The prototype is a wristband featuring six simulated LEDs that display the user’s BAC and hydration levels. Before heading out, users activate the wristband by tapping it on a designated locking mechanism, committing to wear it throughout the night. At the end of the night, they unlock it in the same manner. The mechanism can be conveniently placed at home, such as on a desk or nightstand.
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The wristband tracks user interactions, while the companion app allows users to monitor their simulated BAC and hydration levels. The next morning, the app provides a timeline of these metrics and generates a personalized recovery plan based on the user’s levels and a pre-questionnaire. The plan includes tailored recommendations backed by hangover recovery research, and users can indicate which suggestions were most helpful.​​​
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The wristband has three blue LEDs for hydration levels and three colored LEDs (green, yellow, red) to represent BAC levels:
green for safe, yellow for moderate, and red for high BAC.
This setup helps evaluate user engagement with the device and the recovery recommendations.
P4: EVALUATION
We conducted a week-long user study using benchmark tasks, observational testing, and post-task questionnaires. Participants interacted with the wristband prototype and Figma app while drinking, providing feedback on usability and overall concept.
The six benchmark tasks used for our prototype testing are as follows:
​Task 1: Wristband Locking
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Goal: Assess understanding of the locking mechanism and commitment to wearing the wristband.
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Instructions: Tap wristband on RFID lock to secure it, confirm with a click or app notification.
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Expected Outcome: User successfully locks the wristband and commits to wearing it.
Task 2: Monitor Health Metrics During the Night
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Goal: Evaluate user interaction with health metrics while out.
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Instructions: Lift wristband to check BAC and hydration levels via LEDs.
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A buzz from the wristband should indicate a high BAC.
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Expected Outcome: User interacts with the wristband as needed, receiving a buzz for high BAC.
Task 3: Unlocking the Wristband
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Goal: Ensure user understands unlocking process.
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Instructions: Tap wristband on RFID lock to unlock it and remove easily.
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Expected Outcome: User successfully unlocks and removes the wristband.
Task 4: Reviewing the Timeline of Health Metrics
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Goal: Assess user’s ability to interpret health data from the previous night.
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Instructions: Open the app to view BAC and hydration timeline, identify key moments, and summarize.
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Expected Outcome: User navigates app, reviews metrics, and shares insights.
Task 5: Engaging with the Personalized Recovery Plan
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Goal: Evaluate user interaction with the personalized recovery plan.
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Instructions: After reviewing metrics, access recovery plan and choose at least two actions to follow.
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Expected Outcome: User engages with recovery plan and selects actionable steps.
Task 6: Post-Task Questionnaire
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Goal: Collect feedback on user experience and engagement.
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Instructions: After completing the tasks, rate your interest (1-5 scale) and answer open-ended questions about your experience with the wristband and app.
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Outcome: Gather insights on engagement, usefulness, and improvement suggestions.
Participants are first instructed to create an account to personalize their experience and connect with the wristband. The locking mechanism reinforces commitment to wearing the device for continuous health monitoring.
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Throughout the night, the wristband’s LEDs display BAC and hydration levels, providing real-time feedback. Users unlock the wristband via simulated RFID, ensuring ease of use.
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The app presents a timeline of health metrics, helping users analyze their drinking patterns. A personalized recovery plan offers tailored recommendations for post-drinking well-being. Finally, a post-task questionnaire gathers feedback on usability and effectiveness, informing future improvements.