UPosture
#wearble tech
#healthcare
#posture
#well-being
Improve posture and increase physical activity among individuals with sedentary lifestyles
Design Goal
Our goal is to promote better posture through a wearable device that provides real-time feedback, helping users maintain healthier habits. By offering gentle reminders, we aim to encourage better body alignment, reduce back pain, and enhance overall well-being across different work environments.
How might we support individuals with sedentary lifestyles in sustaining long-term habits for better posture and increased physical activity using personalized and accessible solutions? Many individuals, particularly those working long hours at desks, face discomfort and health risks such as musculoskeletal issues and chronic pain due to poor posture and lack of movement. Although ergonomic tools and physical therapy exist, they often fail to create lasting change because of poor adherence, limited awareness, and ingrained sedentary habits. To address this, a solution must focus not only on posture correction but also on fostering lasting behavioral change through personalized interventions that adapt to the user's daily routine, gradually motivating them to develop healthier habits.
Design Features
Physical Products
WHO
Individuals with sedentary lifestyles (desk workers)
Real-Time Alerts: Sends gentle vibrations to correct posture instantly.
2. Break Reminders: Prompts users to stand and take regular breaks.
2 Designers
Team:
Market Research
Prototype
Usability Tests
User Interviews
My Contribution:
Timeline:
Aug 2024-Dec 2024
3. Portable Design: Lightweight and easy to carry for any environment.
App Integration: Tracks posture data and offers personalized feedback.
UX design / digital interface
WHAT
A wearable device for posture correction and fostering healthy sitting habits
4. App Integration: Tracks posture data and offers personalized feedback.
WHEN
During long periods of sitting, both at work and during downtime at home.
Background/Literature Review
Research Methods
Data Analysis Approach
Key Findings
Background: Prolonged sitting harms health, productivity, and posture. Awareness and professional guidance are key to well-being.
Current Treatment Process: Treating sitting-related issues involves physical therapy, ergonomic tools, and regular activity like yoga and walking. Consistency is key.
Solutions: Posture improvement is hindered by inconsistent exercise, early therapy dropout, and self-discipline issues. Tools like reminders and follow-ups aid long-term success.
User Personas
IDEATE
CONCEPTUAL MODEL
STORYBOARD
Conclusion
Key Insights: Users value ease of use, comfort, and functionality.
Design Preferences: Prefer discreet, lightweight designs that blend with everyday clothing.
Feedback Customization: Like gentle feedback, data tracking, and adjustable settings.
Pain Points: Don’t want bulky, overly alerting, or obvious designs.
Refined Direction: Focus on compact, subtle, and customizable options.
Next Steps: Build and test prototypes with users.
Takeaway: Working with users leads to better designs.
PROTOTYPE
We conducted a co-design workship. This workshop engaged users in designing a wearable device to promote healthy posture and sitting habits. Four Georgia Tech participants with posture concerns provided valuable feedback to refine the device's usability, comfort, and functionality.
