Morning Mend
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.
August 2024 - November 2024
Digital Mockup of the 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
How did I help this project?
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.
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.
Benchmark tasks:
Task 1: Commitment to Wear the Wristband
Goal: Assess users’ understanding of the locking mechanism and their commitment to using the wristband.
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Instructions:
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Before a night out at home, tap the wristband on the designated RFID locking mechanism to secure it.
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Confirm that the wristband is locked by hearing a click and/or receiving a app notification.
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Expected Outcome: Users demonstrate the ability to successfully lock the wristband and acknowledge their commitment to wearing it during the night.
Task 2: Monitor Health Metrics During the Night
Goal: Evaluate how often users interact with the wristband while drinking.
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Instructions:
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While out, check the BAC and hydration levels with the LEDs on the band, by just lifting their hand.
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Expected Outcome: Users should behave as if nothing is going on. The only acknowledgement the user should receive is a buzz if their BAC is way too high.
Task 3: Unlocking the Wristband
Goal: Ensure users understand how to unlock the wristband after returning home.
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Instructions:
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Upon returning home, tap the wristband on the designated RFID locking mechanism to unlock it.
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Confirm that the wristband is unlocked and is easily removed.
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Expected Outcome: Users successfully unlock the wristband and are able to remove it without confusion.
Task 4: Reviewing the Timeline of Health Metrics
Goal: Assess users’ ability to interpret their health data from the previous night.
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Instructions:
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The morning after using the wristband, open the app to view the timeline of hydration levels and BAC from the previous night.
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Identify key moments (e.g., highest BAC, periods of hydration) and summarize your experience based on this data.
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Expected Outcome: Users can navigate the app to view their metrics and articulate their experience and any insights gained.
Task 5: Engaging with the Personalized Recovery Plan
Goal: Evaluate users’ interaction with the recovery plan and its usefulness.
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Instructions:
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After reviewing the health metrics, access the personalized recovery plan provided in the app.
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Explore the recommendations and select at least two actions you plan to take based on the recovery plan.
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Expected Outcome: Users actively engage with the recovery plan, indicating a perceived benefit and readiness to follow the recommendations.
Task 6: Post-Task Questionnaire
Goal: Gather feedback on user experience and engagement levels.
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Instructions:
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After completing the tasks, fill out a post-task questionnaire that rates your interest level in the system (1-5 scale).
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Answer open-ended questions about your overall experience with the wristband and app.
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Expected Outcome: Users provide valuable feedback regarding their engagement, perceived usefulness, and any suggestions for improvement.
Participants 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.