Project Overview

In an age of fleeting digital interactions, Umi emerges as a beacon of genuine connection. Seamlessly blending tactile experience with cutting-edge technology, Umi transforms every message into a touch, every call into an embrace. Dive into a world where communication isn't just frequent but deeply felt. Discover Umi, and let's make every digital moment resonate with real emotion. Dive deeper, and let Umi redefine your connections.

Organisation

Sizhe Huang

Team

Sizhe Huang

Project Brief

The world is more connected than ever, yet we're emotionally drifting apart. As our digital interactions skyrocket, genuine emotional connection takes a backseat. But imagine a future where technology doesn't just connect us—it brings us closer. Welcome to the world of Umi, a groundbreaking innovation destined to redefine the way we experience digital communication, turning fleeting messages into lasting memories.

Umi isn’t just a tool; it's an experience. Nestled within its ecosystem are the Pebble and Nest, tangible avatars that encapsulate the essence of your loved ones. No more scrolling through emotionless texts; with Umi, you can touch, feel, and truly sense the presence of those you cherish, irrespective of the miles that separate you.

Augmenting this tactile intimacy is the Umi mobile and Apple Watch application—a digital heartbeat that lets you transmit virtual hugs, share voices, and nurture those emotional bonds even on the move. It's a symphony of the tactile, auditory, and visual, all collaborating to create a communication experience like no other.

In a realm where digital conversations have become mundane and detached, Umi is the refreshing gust of wind we've all been waiting for. It’s not just about sending messages; it’s about sharing emotions. Dive into the Umi universe, and embrace a future where every digital ping is a palpable pulse of love, care, and warmth. The future is intimate; the future is Umi.

Project Innovation/Need

Innovation 1: Physical Manifestations of Abstract Emotion
The power of emotions is vast, but capturing them in a world dominated by fleeting digital chats and emojis often falls short. Umi's first stroke of genius lies in its use of a physical object to embody abstract emotions. Instead of mere words on a screen, Umi transforms feelings into tangible experiences, allowing users to hold, touch, and truly feel the essence of emotions shared by their loved ones.

Innovation 2: Bridging On-Screen and Physical Interactions
Beyond just representation, Umi reimagines how we interact with our devices. Traditional on-screen gestures are beautifully transmuted into real-world interactions. Pressing and holding on a screen isn't just an action; with Umi, it metamorphoses into a gentle buzz on the Pebble, a tactile nudge reminding users of the human touch behind every digital message. Moreover, instead of the jarring interruption of a notification sound or vibration, the arrival of a new message is subtly indicated by the Pebble's delicate floating motion.

Design Challenge

Diverse Scenario Adaptability: At the forefront was the challenge of versatility. The Umi design needed to be adaptive, suitable for a spectrum of environments and situations, from indoor settings to outdoor adventures, from moments of stillness while seated to active instances of walking. The design process constantly revolved around the user, ensuring that no matter the posture or scenario, the user felt connected, aiming to alleviate the pangs of isolation and longing precisely when these emotions surfaced.

Emotional Authenticity: The second significant hurdle was capturing the essence of emotion. How do you materialize feelings without losing their core, especially in a world increasingly skewed towards the digital? Umi sought to transform abstract emotions into palpable interactions, ensuring these translations retained their authenticity and did not appear contrived. It was about creating a bridge between the visceral world of feelings and the tangible realm of human interaction.

Tactile-Visual Balance: Lastly, the equilibrium between the tactile and visual became pivotal. Umi wasn't just about touch or sight alone; it was an amalgamation. Striking the right balance meant ensuring that while users felt the warmth of a tangible connection, they weren't detached from the digital realm. The challenge was crafting a harmonious blend where neither tactile nor digital elements overshadowed the other, providing a truly holistic experience.

Sustainability

Durability: One of Umi’s design principles is longevity. By creating a product that lasts longer, Umi reduces the frequency of replacements, thus decreasing the consumption of resources over time and minimizing waste.

Material Efficiency: Umi's Pebble and Nest are constructed from durable and eco-friendly materials that are designed to last, reducing the frequency of replacements and, consequently, waste. The longevity of these components is essential in lessening the environmental footprint.

Emotional Sustainability: Beyond the environmental, Umi promotes social and emotional sustainability. In a world where mental health and emotional connections are increasingly recognized as crucial to holistic well-being, Umi offers a way to sustain and nurture these connections, especially when physical presence is not possible.