Sep. 2020 - April. 2021, Master Project
Smart Tracking Neck Ring / designed by Yiran Ren
Wellfit, my Master's thesis project, was developed using the double diamond design method across all phases of the design process. This method facilitated a thorough exploration of the theme, detailed project planning, in-depth problem analysis, use case definition, solution ideation, and design implementation. The outcome was the successful ideation of a physical product, an integrated tracking system, and a fully functional prototype application.
Design for changing sedentary behaviour in the workspace
Design Methodology
In the research and design process, two primary design theories were employed: human-centered design and the Double Diamond process map. Drawing from Human-centered Design, Service Design, and the Double Diamond Process, I utilized a range of methodologies for the research, including literature reviews, market research, questionnaires, interviews, observations, prototyping, and testing. These approaches ensured a comprehensive and user-focused development process.
‘Double Diamond’ process map
The scope of Human-centered design
Sedentary behaviour
Sedentary behavior involves sitting for prolonged periods and is distinct from simply lacking physical activity. Recent federal research published in BMC Public Health reveals that the proportion of European adults who sit for more than four-and-a-half hours daily has increased by 8% from 2002 to 2017. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity ranks as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, accounting for 6% of all deaths worldwide. It is also responsible for 22% of heart disease and colon cancer cases, as well as 12% of diabetes and hypertension cases.
This data highlights how sedentary behavior, driven by modern lifestyle habits, is increasingly becoming a significant health issue, affecting numerous aspects of health and well-being.
Lower Crossed Syndrome
Sedentary behaviour in workspace
Sedentary behavior occurs across various settings—home, transportation, cafes, and particularly at the workplace. According to Chau et al. (2010), the workplace is a critical environment for extended periods of sitting. For office workers, sedentary workplace time significantly contributes to their overall sedentary lifestyle, with studies indicating that they spend, on average, three-quarters of their work hours seated. Given the prevalence of sitting in office environments, and considering that office workers represent a major segment of the workforce, the office setting is identified as a key area for interventions aimed at reducing sitting time.
Home office
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically transformed our working lives. As workplaces shuttered, the concept of the home office surged in popularity. According to a survey by digital association Bitkom, millions have started working from home since the outbreak began. While some do so partially, one in four professionals now work exclusively from home. In total, nearly half (45%) of workers have turned their living spaces into home offices at least once.
Research and definition
Target group
After reviewing multiple studies, the primary target group identified consists of sedentary office workers, including professions such as computer engineers, designers, bankers, PR professionals, and secretaries. Given the diversity within this group, further segmentation is necessary, considering factors like income, working conditions, company management, and personal health awareness.
Predominantly, these office workers engage in computer-based tasks, increasingly relying on technology to perform their duties. This demographic typically falls within the middle to upper-middle-income categories and shows a higher willingness to invest in health, with most individuals aged between 20 and 45. Data from Statista indicates that those under 45 are more engaged in computer-related work.
The work environment also plays a crucial role. Target companies are generally medium to large-sized, with over 100 employees, equipped with ergonomically designed workspaces that support health initiatives. Such companies are attentive to their employees' health, often providing necessary equipment and organizing activities to promote well-being.
Questionnaires
A questionnaire was conducted to gain insights into office work dynamics, primarily implemented at iteratec GmbH, an informatics company founded in 1996. Employing around 500 people, including students, and operating across seven locations, iteratec serves a range of clients from medium-sized businesses to large corporations. While the survey primarily targeted iteratec employees, it also welcomed participants from other companies and job positions.
In total, 189 individuals from eight different work areas responded to the 13-question survey, which was conducted in German using the Survio platform. The questionnaire covered various topics including daily work activities, employment status, behavior at work, work environment, and aspects related to working from home.
Interviews
In addition to the questionnaire, I conducted eight interviews to gather more detailed insights. These interviews included discussions with two naturopaths and six individuals from four diverse fields, enriching the research with a variety of perspectives.
Needs finding
Based on the findings from previous research and interviews, we identified and summarized various problems associated with office and home-office work, as well as the corresponding user needs. Experienced office workers were also invited to contribute by identifying additional problems and needs.
These issues and needs were then categorized and filtered based on Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles, focusing on feasibility, user fit, and market demand. The most relevant issues and needs were highlighted in red to emphasize their importance and priority.
Possible solutions and ideas
Following the identification of key issues and needs, a series of brainstorming sessions was conducted, particularly focusing on those that had been filtered and highlighted. The goal was to generate potential solutions for these challenges, drawing from both existing solutions and new ideas. Based on the outcomes of these brainstorming sessions, several promising ideas were further developed into more concrete solution concepts.
Ideas filtering
The ideas generated during the brainstorming sessions were ranked and filtered based on my personal preferences and their feasibility. I employed the innovation matrix method to further refine these ideas into viable concepts for development.
The innovation matrix categorizes ideas along two axes: the type of change (incremental or substantial) and the economic impact (reducing costs or increasing revenues). For instance, at the top left of the matrix, the concept of "wearable devices designed to remind users of sitting time" is positioned as a substantial change. This idea is anticipated to reduce health-related costs in the long run by encouraging more frequent movement and less sedentary behavior.
Market and competitive products analysis
After choosing to focus on the design of wearable devices that remind users to reduce sitting time, I conducted online market and competitor research, primarily using Amazon as a resource. This research examined existing products such as sports bracelets and smartwatches that monitor movement. I also identified specific products aimed at improving posture and providing sedentary reminders.
These products were evaluated based on factors including price, user reviews, included software features, and specific functions like posture correction and sedentary alerts. The product types ranged from waist and back correction belts to monitors that clip to clothing or attach directly to the back.
Stakeholders
The stakeholders are categorized into two groups: company employees and the companies themselves.
Employees - Users: As the primary users, employees interact directly with the product, playing a crucial role in shaping its functionality. Their work habits, environments, behaviors, work areas, tasks, and personal preferences significantly influence the product's design and features.
Companies: Companies maintain an employment relationship with their employees and indirectly impact product design. Increasingly, companies are prioritizing employee health by investing in activities and resources to enhance physical and mental well-being, improving health conditions at work, and creating better work environments.
Scenarios
Before initiating the design, several work scenarios were analyzed to address different user needs:
1. The user adopts an incorrect posture while sitting for extended periods, unaware of the correct posture.
2. The user has a height-adjustable desk but seldom uses it to alternate between sitting and standing, lacking knowledge of optimal times to switch positions.
3. People experience uninterrupted meetings that extend for long periods.
4. In a home office setting, poor time management leads to prolonged sitting, blurring the lines between work and personal life.
5. Over one to two years of using the product, users develop healthier working habits and postures at their computer desks. Those with physical ailments see improved health, eventually reducing their dependency on the product for posture and time management reminders.
2. The user has a height-adjustable desk but seldom uses it to alternate between sitting and standing, lacking knowledge of optimal times to switch positions.
3. People experience uninterrupted meetings that extend for long periods.
4. In a home office setting, poor time management leads to prolonged sitting, blurring the lines between work and personal life.
5. Over one to two years of using the product, users develop healthier working habits and postures at their computer desks. Those with physical ailments see improved health, eventually reducing their dependency on the product for posture and time management reminders.
Ideation
The unique selling point of the device is its Six-axis sensor, designed to accurately monitor the upper back and neck. In crafting the hardware, the primary focus is on ensuring precision, comfort, and ease of use. The sensor's placement at the junction of the cervical spine and the spine optimizes accuracy. A neck ring, which snugly fits around the neck, is chosen over a clip-on design to enhance the device's ability to accurately detect changes in the neck and upper back. Additionally, the neck ring is adjustable to accommodate various neck sizes, preventing movement that could skew data. This adjustability also allows users to customize the fit for maximum comfort.
Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique (PT) is a timeboxing strategy derived from the psychological concepts of time by Bergson and Minkowski, applicable to various activities including homework, house cleaning, and software development. This technique involves working in focused 25-minute intervals, known as "Pomodoros," free from all interruptions like mobile phones, emails, and other distractions. After each Pomodoro, a 5-minute break is taken to alleviate the mental strain, preserving the concentration curve. Following four Pomodoros, a longer 15-minute break is recommended to enhance overall performance. By structuring time this way, PT helps individuals maximize efficiency and maintain clear boundaries between work and free time, reducing overtime and improving respect for both work and leisure time. This method is particularly effective for prolonged study and work sessions.
Product needs
The product has been designed to meet nine specific needs:
Concept
The final design concept is a neck ring featuring a front opening for easy adjustment. It will be constructed from soft, skin-friendly materials, with an even softer material lining the inside near the back of the neck to enhance comfort and provide material contrast. Functionally, the main features, including a visible LED light for charging status, an on/off button, and a charging port, are located on the backside of the neck ring. The front of the neck ring is designed to be manually adjustable to accommodate various neck sizes.
During the ideation phase, three key testing phases were conducted:
1. Probe Prototyping:
The initial prototype focused on the neck ring's functionality, particularly at the back of the neck. This probe prototype used wire shaped into a neck ring and wrapped in foam to simulate a skin-friendly material. Two variations were tested: one with an open front and another with a functional back connected by an adjustable strap. The design faced challenges in maintaining position during movement, with the neck ring occasionally shifting to the side.
The initial prototype focused on the neck ring's functionality, particularly at the back of the neck. This probe prototype used wire shaped into a neck ring and wrapped in foam to simulate a skin-friendly material. Two variations were tested: one with an open front and another with a functional back connected by an adjustable strap. The design faced challenges in maintaining position during movement, with the neck ring occasionally shifting to the side.
2. Technical Prototyping:
The technical prototype involved creating a small device (1.6x4.2x1.2 cm) equipped with a microcontroller, vibration motor, lithium-ion battery, and LCD. This model executed two vibration types—short (1.5 seconds) and long (3 seconds)—which could be controlled and adjusted using a side button. Challenges included the complexity of programming the six-axis sensor and the need to scale down the initial model due to size constraints.
The technical prototype involved creating a small device (1.6x4.2x1.2 cm) equipped with a microcontroller, vibration motor, lithium-ion battery, and LCD. This model executed two vibration types—short (1.5 seconds) and long (3 seconds)—which could be controlled and adjusted using a side button. Challenges included the complexity of programming the six-axis sensor and the need to scale down the initial model due to size constraints.
3. Styling Prototyping and User Tests:
A styling model was made from cardboard, featuring a 12cm diameter neck ring that inclined downwards at a 45-degree angle. The technical model was attached to this and tested with four users. Feedback indicated that the vibrations were perceptible and comfortable, and the lightweight design did not hinder daily activities. However, the paper material posed limitations in durability and shape retention during movement. Additionally, variations in neck size between male and female users were noted but not problematic in this test, though they remain important for future design considerations.
A styling model was made from cardboard, featuring a 12cm diameter neck ring that inclined downwards at a 45-degree angle. The technical model was attached to this and tested with four users. Feedback indicated that the vibrations were perceptible and comfortable, and the lightweight design did not hinder daily activities. However, the paper material posed limitations in durability and shape retention during movement. Additionally, variations in neck size between male and female users were noted but not problematic in this test, though they remain important for future design considerations.
Overall, these phases highlighted both the potential and the areas needing improvement in the wearable's design, particularly in terms of material durability and ergonomic fit.
Final product
Functional structures
The primary functional components located at the back of the neck ring include a 6-Axis Accelerometer and Gyroscope, a vibration motor, a microcontroller, a Lithium Ion battery, and an LCD. The front of the neck ring features two long metal tabs on the inside of each side, which users can bend to adjust to their individual neck size and desired tightness.
Interactive functional structures
The neck ring is equipped with three interactive functions:
1. On/Off Button: Users can activate or deactivate the device by pressing the circular button on the back of the neck ring. The button is 11 mm in diameter, designed to comfortably accommodate the human index finger and thumb.
2. Power Light: Adjacent to the on/off button, the power light indicates battery status and charging conditions. It glows red when the battery is low or when charging, and turns blue when fully charged. If the device is turned on with low power, the light will display red; if the device is switched on with sufficient power, the blue light will briefly appear before normal operation continues.
3. Charging Port: Located above the on/off switch, the charging port is conveniently positioned for easy access when the device needs recharging.
2. Power Light: Adjacent to the on/off button, the power light indicates battery status and charging conditions. It glows red when the battery is low or when charging, and turns blue when fully charged. If the device is turned on with low power, the light will display red; if the device is switched on with sufficient power, the blue light will briefly appear before normal operation continues.
3. Charging Port: Located above the on/off switch, the charging port is conveniently positioned for easy access when the device needs recharging.
Materials
The neck ring is constructed from silicone, a material known for its dry texture, durability, biocompatibility, and hypoallergenic properties. This makes it safe for contact with human skin. The silicone covering also enhances the neck ring's tactile feel while providing shock and impact resistance if dropped. Additionally, silicone's insolubility in water contributes to the neck ring's excellent waterproof characteristics.
Inside both sides of the neck ring are long metal pieces made of stainless steel. These steel pieces are heat-treated and finely ground, offering high precision, high tensile strength, excellent finish, and toughness. They are designed to be easily bent to a desired angle and will maintain their shape once adjusted, facilitating easy resizing of the neck ring. For added comfort, the steel pieces are encased in silicone, providing a softer contact surface for users.
Size of the product
Application
The application design is organized into four primary sections: Exercise, Status, Ranking System, and Profile. Additionally, it features a Settings interface and a Tutorial to enhance user navigation and customization.
Feedback
Based on the final concept design, feedback was solicited from participants previously engaged through interviews and questionnaires. The overall response was positive, with many expressing a willingness to try the product and satisfaction with its functionality and design, alongside certain expectations.
Product Feedback:
Participants noted that the Wellfit neck ring is adjustable both inward and outward to modify size and tightness. However, they pointed out that the steel plate’s design does not allow for vertical adjustments, which could lead to the neck ring shifting position.
Participants noted that the Wellfit neck ring is adjustable both inward and outward to modify size and tightness. However, they pointed out that the steel plate’s design does not allow for vertical adjustments, which could lead to the neck ring shifting position.
Application Feedback:
Users suggested adding a feature for preset settings in the software to accommodate varying conditions at home and work, eliminating the need to readjust settings with each change of environment. Additionally, a recommendation was made to include push notifications as part of the reward system. These notifications would encourage user engagement by alerting them to friends’ achievements, thereby motivating them to adhere to their own plans.
Users suggested adding a feature for preset settings in the software to accommodate varying conditions at home and work, eliminating the need to readjust settings with each change of environment. Additionally, a recommendation was made to include push notifications as part of the reward system. These notifications would encourage user engagement by alerting them to friends’ achievements, thereby motivating them to adhere to their own plans.
