Research (secondary + primary) explored user behaviour, environments, and existing solutions to define needs, pain points, and the core UX problem.
Digital Dependence
88%
Use phones for recreational use >2hrs/day
Insight → Design for low cognitive load
Barriers to Mindfulness
39% Digital Distractions
30% Lack of Time
Insight → Deliver value in <60 seconds
The AI Opportunity
65% of Gen Z trust AI (but there are doubts over accuracy, trust, as well as the risk of being overly reliant on tech)
Insight→ Keep AI simple and transparent
The Daily Struggle:
Juggling university deadlines with social pressures.
The ‘Doom-Scroll’ Cycle: Uses phone for procrastination.
The Digital Trap:
Reliance on phones for everything...alarms, calendar etc. makes ‘digital detoxing’ hard.
Most attempts to ‘be mindful’ are broken by notifications.
Insight → Users struggle to regulate their emotions because distraction is always more accessible than control. Solutions must protect their attention and guide them towards what they actually need in that moment.
Competitor Analysis
No solution currently combines a physical device with real-time conversational AI to guide breathing- adapting to users' emotions and supporting regulation, especially for this overlooked age group.
Research (secondary + primary) explored user behaviour, environments, and existing solutions to define needs, pain points, and the core UX problem.
Sense Stone: System Workflow
Step 1: User Input via App
I have a pitch in 10 minutes and feel anxious. Create a 5 minute breathing plan to calm me down
09:50
Step 2: The Personalised Plan via App
09:50
Feeling anxious before a pitch is common, but with focused breathing techniques, you can calm your nerves and perform your best.
Here’s a 5-minute plan, using proven methods to help specifically before presentations.
Step 3: Screen-Free Regulation via Device
{mobile enters 'Focus Mode' automatically}
Step 4: The Feedback Loop via App
How do you feel now?
App User Flow
The app uses a minimalist, screen-light design with optional account creation and error-proof pairing to minimise friction. The MVP flow (in colour) prioritises core uses including device connectivity. Paths in grey map future iterations designed for long-term retention, including a Library for saving exercises, a Profile for mood logging, and Settings for adjusting haptic strength.
Onboarding
Onboarding lets users grasp how Sense Stone works, provides transparency on AI data use, and guides them to create an account.
Limitations
/Transparency
/External Support
Conversational AI Chat
The chat interface is clean and intuitive, allowing users to share their feelings in natural language. The AI responds with personalised, situation-specific breathing suggestions.
Device Visualisation
This AI concept render shows an early representation of the Sense Stone device highlighting its discreet form and overall design direction.
Material
/Textured
/Matte
/Recycled ABS
Adaptable
/Wearable
/Convertible
/Versatile
Function
/Lightweight
/Durable
/Discreet
Research (secondary + primary) explored user behaviour, environments, and existing solutions to define needs, pain points, and the core UX problem.
Early User Feedback
Five potential users were shown the device visualisation and an interactive app prototype, with interactions explained. Using a think-aloud approach, insights were recorded as users shared suggestions, ideas, and thoughts about the concept.
