Numi

UC D 2015 • THESI S PR O C E S S BO O K • JAIM IL E FL O R E S

PROCESS BOOK

WHEN WE ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PRESENT MOMENT WE ARE LITERALLY ABSENT FROM OUR OWN LIFE. – MICHAEL BAIME, M.D.

MIND WANDERING

NUMI BRACELET

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

CONTENTS

1

ABSTRACT

31

INTRODUCTION

RESULTS NUMI BRACELET

THESIS QUESTION MIND WANDERING MINDFUL

8

RESEARCH

35

PROTOTYPING

TECHNIQUES

SKETCHING

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

APP SKETCHING

APPLICATION QUALITIES

CLAY MODELING PROTOTYPING NUMI 3D 3D PRINTING

17

TESTING

46

NUMI BRACELET

COLOR MATTERS

STYLE GUIDE

QUESTIONNAIRE

THE BRACELET

TESTING SUBJECTS

THE APP

TRACKING SHEET

26

PERSONAS PERSONAS

52

PRESENTATION MOCK UP

55

CONCLUSION

56

EXPERT SUMMARY

58

SPECIAL THANKS

60

SOURCES

CONCIOUSNESS

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

ABSTRACT

Mind wandering is a state of mind when a person is thinking about something other than what they are doing.

This is a human condition that happens to everyone. This condition allows humans to plan and imagine and think ahead, but it also keeps one from experiencing the present moment. We miss experiences, conversations and even small things like the sound of a bird. Mind wandering, otherwise known as autopilot has also been found to be one of the leading causes of unhappiness.

This thesis project explored different reasons why people enter the autopilot stage and different methods for helping people be more in the present. Through testing different methods including vibrations and lighting and relying on secondary research, I have developed a method that incorporates both physical and visual methods of helping people be more present.

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THESIS QUESTION

CAN BEHAVIORAL DESIGN THROUGH THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY, TRAIN THE BRAIN TO FACILITATE A TRANSITION FROM THE DEFAULT NETWORK (MIND WANDERING) OF THE BRAIN TO THE STAGE OF DIRECT EXPERIENCE (MINDFUL)?

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

INTRODUCTION

Why wouldn’t you want to be happier?

Happiness is what we strive for in our relationships, our jobs, in school, our hobbies and it should be what we strive for in every activity, interaction and experience we have.

Using the Numi bracelet can help us achieve our goal of being happier. By training our minds using Numi, we will be able to re focus our minds more often when we need to, for example, while driving, or listening to a speaker or even your spouse. You will see in the following pages, the research conducted from secondary resources, direct testing, prototype modeling, and branding.

This project encompasses most of the techniques learned in the digital design program at the University of Colorado at Denver. I will incorporate motion design, 3D modeling, prototyping, branding, design research, user experience research, user interface development, behavioral design and typography.

You will see all of these aspects weaved throughout the following pages of this process book.

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Can you remember a time when you were driving to work or home and when you arrive you realize that you don’t remember any details of the drive like the scenery?

Or more importantly think about the last meaningful conversation you had. Can you remember the details of this conversation?

You are missing moments, parts of these experiences. This is a reflection of how we live our lives, just living through the motions of the day. We end up seeing with out seeing, eating with out tasting, talking without knowing what we are saying.

We are mind-wandering.

According to a social scientist, Matthew Killingsworth we spend 47% of our time mind wandering. His study “A wandering mind , is an unhappy mind” also demonstrates that it is one of the largest contributor of unhappiness. Maybe because you can judge your own actions, second guess your decisions, and wish you had said something different.

WE SPEND 47% OF OUR AWAKE TIME, MIND WANDERING. SO IF YOU ADD UP YOUR 8 HRS OF SLEEPING, IMAGINE YOU SPEND ONLY 33% OF YOUR LIFE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT, AWAKE.

This study highlights that our happier moments are when we are mindful, doing any kind of activity. Even waiting in traffic, you are happier than if you were mind-wandering about drinking a cold beer on the beach.

FOCUS

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MIND WANDERING

Some people refer to mind wandering as day dreaming or zoning out.

But mind wandering is much more than that. It is an incredible ability humans have, that no other animal on the planet has. Mind wandering is the ability to think about something other than what you are doing. In other words, thinking about your to-do list while driving to work.

This is when the brain generates thoughts due to lack of external stimulation. Mind wandering is what allows people to plan, have an imagination, evaluate the past or the future, and pass judgment on your actions.

Negative effects of mind wandering:

* UNHAPPINESS * LOWER READING COMPREHENSION * INCREASED CONFUSION * NEGATIVE MOOD * LOWER COGNITIVE ABILITY * HIGHER BLOOD PRESSURE * SHORTER WORKING MEMORY.

While we often think about past experiences, mind wandering is mostly associated with the future. For example, when we make coffee in the morning, are we actually thinking about making coffee, or are we thinking about drinking the coffee? While we are drinking the coffee, we are actually thinking about getting our stuff together so we can head out the door.

We are steps ahead of the present moment most of the time when we mind wander.

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

MINDFUL

“When the mind disappears and thoughts disappear, you become mindful. What is mindfulness? It is awareness. It is perfect awareness.” – Osho Mindfulness is when humans maintain a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment.

This state of the mind is a hard state of mind to achieve as our brain is constantly steps ahead of our present. Mindfulness is when we are fully aware of the present. We are smelling the smells, hearing the sounds and tasting the flavors.

When we practice mindfulness, not only do we experience more of our lives, but we also increase our cognitive abilities.

We are able to focus on our tasks more, comprehend what we read better and ultimately score higher on standardized tests like the GRE. People who practice mindfulness, experience less stress related illnesses and anxiety.

Benefits of practicing mindfulness:

* INCREASES HAPPINESS * MORE AWARE OF THE PRESENT MOMENT * IT STRENGTHENS IMMUNE SYSTEM AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO STRESS. * IT IMPROVES PERSONAL AND IMPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS. * IT REDUCES STRESS, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND INCREASES WELL-BEING AND HAPPINESS. * IMPROVES DECISION MAKING ABILITIES. * INCREASES CONTROL OF EMOTIONS.

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* Overall mind wandering % rate during basic activities.

RESEARCH

The hardest thing about being mindful is to remember to be mindful.

As mentioned earlier, humans have a rare ability that no other species on the planet have. We are able to think about something while we are doing something else. We have the unique ability to drive and think about running, or eat and think about gardening. We have the ability to read and think about a vacation to Italy.

An article in the Gestalt Review discusses why teaching mindfulness to children early on is important for their cognitive development. They explain mindfulness as having its origins in the Buddhist tradition, through Eastern practices of meditation. “It is often learned and practiced through meditation exercises. However, mindfulness should not be confused with meditation. The goal is not to achieve a higher state of consciousness or to distance oneself from the present experience, but rather to have an increased awareness of the present moment.”

Norman Farb, et. al., the author of a mindfulness and meditation study, looks at mindfulness from a neuroscience perspective. Through this study, the researchers found that people experience the world through two different networks: the “default network” and the “narrative circuit” (automatic and reflective).

The default network is termed as such “because it becomes active when not much else is happening, and you think about yourself.” You may be sitting on a bench in the park with a cool breeze and instead of thinking about the breeze against your skin and through your hair, you begin thinking about the errands you have to run after work and what you will have for dinner.

This happens when there is little stimuli keeping your brain active. As an organism, your brain must be active at all times and if there is little keeping it active, your brain begins to think about what it knows best, yourself.

According to Living the Balanced Life, an online health and wellbeing website, living on autopilot causes one to miss important parts of their life. This source considers this state as an unhealthy state of mind.

When we mind wander, we allow our brain to be lazy. We miss out on important and interesting things that happen around us. A study conducted by a scientist named Matthew Killingsworth found that mind wandering leads to unhappiness.

Through an in-depth look at over 15,000 people submitting a total of 650,000 live responses, from over 80 countries and within all 87 job classifications represented, Killingsworth determined that no matter what the person was doing at the time, when the mind wandered, it was usually wandering towards something less enjoyable than what the person was actually doing. Once the person was jolted out of the mind wandering state, they were less happy than when they entered that state to begin with.

In addition to the emotional benefit of being more happy, being mindful can also help with a number of mental illnesses including depression, ADD, ADHD, as well as other physical benefits including managing blood pressure. It also increases and improves the working memory. Scientists Michael D. Mrazek, Michael S. Franklin, Dawa Tarchin Phillips, Benjamin Baird, and Jonathan W. Schooler found that trough training the brain to be more mindful you improve cognitive retention, and even improve your GRE reading comprehension scores.

Natalia Karelaia of INSEAD has shown that mindfulness also helps improve decision-making. Being more mindful can help one to be more aware of their values and enhance one’s own ethical decision making. It also helps a person focus on the factors necessary to make a smart and intelligent decision.

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

65%

Grooming & self care

53%

62% Commuting or traveling

52%

56% Listening to music

52%

Walking or taking a walk

Listening to radio or news

Doing homework

50%

49%

48%

47%

46%

45%

44%

43%

42%

40%

38%

36%

34%

30%

10%

Working

Shopping, running errands

Watching TV

Exercising

Having conversations

Home computer

Preparing food

Reading

Praying or meditating

Playing

Relaxing or nothing specific

Taking care of children

Eating

Rest or sleep

Making love

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TECHNIQUES

Mindfulness techniques vary, however training your mind is key to being mindful.

What do scientists say about how to practice being mindful?

Two key elements are needed: training your mind through practice and using some form of physical stimulus to remember to be mindful.

With the dedicated practice of being in the present moment, you will be able to learn how to guide your brain from the default network (mind wandering) to the narrative network (reflective state) easier and more frequently. You will be able to see actual brain function improve after only 8 weeks of regular practice.

Types of sensory stimuli that can snap a person into the mindful state can be anything from a buzzing fly, a loud bang in the distance, a tap on the shoulder and even focused concentration on a text.

Scientists have also found that vibrations, lights and sounds effectively facilitate a persons brain function from automatic state of mind to the reflective state. Loud bang in the distance, a tap on the shoulder and even focused concentration on a text.

Scientists have also found that vibrations, lights and sounds effectively facilitate a persons brain function from the automatic state of mind to the reflective state.

RITUALS:

You don’t have to sit still and watch your breath, you can find ways that will work with your life style, little rituals that you attach to actions you do every day. For example, every time you sit at your desk, you wiggle your toes as a reminder to be mindful, or every time you eat, you take 10 seconds to think about your surroundings, what you are feeling and who you are with.

COMPREHENSION

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COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

I began this process by searching for applications that were similar to my thesis. I found 8 apps that I either purchased or downloaded for free and began to evaluate each one. I evaluated each application using the following criteria:

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APPROACH:

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WERE THE CREATORS OF THE APPLICATION APPROACHING THE AUDIENCE THROUGH A HOLISTIC LENS, A SCIENTIFIC LENS, RELIGIOUS, OR A BLEND?

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HOW DID THE APP LOOK? WHAT COLORS, TEXT, AND IMAGERY WERE USED IN THE APP.

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COST: WE EVALUATED THE COST OF PURCHASING THE APP AND ANY ADDITIONAL PURCHASE NECESSARY.

From this type of comparative analysis, I was able to glean the components that were found to be most useful, most effectively executed and what was missing from all the applications. Every single application offered a recording of meditative practices, every app offered the user the ability to purchase more meditations. More than half of the applications had a log of meditations that the user could use to track their practice.

METHOD: WHAT DID THE APP OFFER? WAS IT READING? RECORDINGS? MEDITATIONS? NOTIFICATIONS? RESEARCH?

WAS THE APPLICATION EASY TO UNDERSTAND, INTUITIVE? WAS THE APP EASY TO NAVIGATE?

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DESIGN:

UX/UI:

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REVIEWS: WE READ HUNDREDS OF REVIEWS ABOUT THE EFFICACY OF THESE APPS.

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

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Fig. 1

Fig. 2

I USED BOTH A PRINT OUT OF THE APP WHILE USING THE MOBILE APPLICATION TO MARK MY OBSERVATIONS.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

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BUDDHIFY 1. USER FRIENDLY 2. LONG MEDITATIONS

DIGIPILL 1. GOOD INSTRUCTIONS 2. EXPENSIVE

HEAD SPACE 1. FUN TO USE 2. EXPENSIVE

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THESIS PROCESS BOOK

APPLICATION QUALITIES

APPROACH BUDDHIFY DESIGN DIGIPILL UX/UI

HEAD SPACE METHOD THE MINDFULNESS APP COST MINDFULNESS DAILY REVIEWS MINDFULNESS JUST BAD ALL AROUND

GRAPHIC. 1 TOP QUALITIES OF EACH APPLICATION

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MEDITATION

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

TESTING

Based on the literary research conducted, I decided to approach this problem using a physical stimulus method. This would support a person in assigning and executing their rituals that lead to a greater state of awareness. While the exact approach was still unknown to me I knew that it had to be something that must be wear-able, that the user must have everyday, and that must not get in the way but provide enough of a physical stimulus necessary to help shift you from the default network to the reflective state.

I first spoke with my advisor Sille Krukow (behavioral design specialist). Together we identified the best methods to approach this type of testing within the short time frame available.

I began by testing two different wear-able objects. A bracelet and a small clip-on that fits in the pocket. Both of these devices had timers that would create a vibration and sound. The pocket device was not functional in that it would fall out, or the vibration was clouded by the clothing worn. The bracelet was more accepted by my testing group as it was more convenient to wear.

Philosophy

IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE VALIDITY OF MY CONCLUSION, I ENGAGED IN MULTIPLE TYPES OF RESEARCH INCLUDING PRIMARY RESEARCH, AS WELL AS USED SECONDARY RESEARCH TO BACK UP MY FINDINGS FROM MY PRIMARY RESEARCH.

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DOES THE COLOR OF LIGHT REALLY MATTER? A study conducted at Harvard University concluded that kids suffer from lack of sleep when they have blue lights from their game consuls and other technology because this light makes them more alert.

Fig. 3

Based on this information, I held a focus group with 8 participants where I explored the value of using light to increase focus.

Using regular lighting, I had the groups read a paragraph and then answer questions that related to the comprehension of the paragraph.

I then did this four more times using a soft blue light, green light, white light and red light, gave the group another paragraph followed with a set of questions.

I measured the responses of all four trials and determined that the blue light allowed for greater comprehension of the paragraph read.

Fig. 4

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

DEVICE TESTING

LIGHT TESTING

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THESIS PROCESS BOOK

LEVEL OF COMPREHENSION Depending on light color

0%

THE LEVEL OF COMPREHENSION A PERSON HAS WHILE READING A PARAGRAPH UNDER THE SPECIFIC LIGHT COLORS.

BLUE LIGHT

WHITE LIGHT

GREEN LIGHT

RED LIGHT

100% 33%

66%

GRAPHIC. 2 LIGHT ANALYSIS

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QUESTIONNAIRE

This questionnaire was developed using latest recognition techniques that calls a person to remember their most recent event as a reference point for answering the questions.

I collected 35 responses to this questionnaire. The ages ranged from 23 to 72. The objective of this form of testing was to get an understanding of the comprehension level of mind wandering the general public has. I wanted to measure how aware people are about their own brain behaviors.

I asked a combination of open ended questions, and scale rating questions.

I measured the time it took each person to complete the survey and compared that to their understanding of mind wandering and how often they are aware of their mind wandering.

This survey provided me with results that informed the development of the tool to support regularly training the mind.

In short, those who were aware of their mind wandering also actively changed their routines in the morning to keep their brains active.

Most respondents did not wish to engage in timely meditation practices but desired tools that would help them increase their ability to:

“Pay better attention”, “Not daydream as much”, & “Be able to focus on what I am doing better” Interestingly, many people who experienced less awareness of their mind wandering either did not have breakfast in the morning or did not remember what they ate for breakfast.

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

1.What time is it right now?

2. Name (optional) _______________________________________ 3. Age________________ at time of survey 4. Gender ___________________________ 5. Occupation ___________________________ 6. Marital status ____________________________ 7. Ethnicity _____________________________ 8. Do you have any children? __________ 9a. If so, what are their ages? _____________ 9b. Gender(s)________________________ 10. What time do you usually wake up for the day?

11. What did you eat for breakfast?

12. Do you have a usual morning drink? coffee, tea, milk, water, etc?

13. Do you have any sort of morning rituals? (eg. drink coffee before a shower, go for a walk, read a quote, meditate, go to the gym, etc.)

14. Please list the top four activities you engage in during the day: (eg. go to work, go to school, get the kid ready for bed, do home work, cook food, talk with my spouse, etc) 15. What classification did you use in selecting your “top four�? (eg. I do every day, what I look forward to, take up the most time, etc.)

16. Do you remember what the last song was you listened to?

17. Why do you or do you not remember 18. Do you recall the last truly meaningful conversation you had?

19. What made it so meaningful?

20. What kept you engaged in the conversation?

21. Do you feel satisfied with your life?

22. Why or why not?

The following questions are based on a scale of 1 to 5 23. How happy are you?

1 2 3 4 5 not at all more sad than happy kind of happy pretty happy happy 24. Thinking about the last time you were listening to someone speak i.e. a teacher, colleague, lecture, or at a play. how often, during that time, did you begin thinking about something else other than what you were listening too?

1 2 3 4 5 not at all a few times half the time Most of the time The entire time 25. Think about the last time you read a book, report, or article. How often did you have to repeat a sentence or paragraph?

1 2 3 4 5 not at all a few times half the time Most of the time The entire time 26. How often would you say your mind wanders during the day? (please list as a percentage) 27. How many things, other than this survey did you think about during the duration of this survey?

28. Please give an example of something different you thought about.

29. What time is it?

QUESTIONNAIRE

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POPULATION POOL

PEOPLE 6

BRACELET 4

DEVICE 2

LIGHTS 4 GRAPHIC. 3

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

TESTING SUBJECTS

PEOPLE: 6

My people subjects consisted of 4 female and two male, age ranging from 29 to 71.

DEVICE TYPE: 2

I tested bracelets and pocket devices.

TYPES OF BRACELETS: 4

I tested one bracelet that vibrated, and the others lit up .

LIGHTS: 4

I used four different lights while testing my subjects: red, white, green and blue.

Each person wore the bracelets and the pocket devices for 15 days each. I provided a tracking sheet for their mind wandering with the different devices. The bracelets were paired with their smart phones.

I would call their smartphone and the user would receive a vibration on the bracelet. I would follow the phone call with a text. The pocket devices were set with timers. When the timer would go off, the user would read a tip they had stored on their phone. The subjects would record their experiences using the tracking sheet provided. You can read more about my light testing in the section title: Testing.

My testing subjects and devices:

* PEOPLE: 6 * DEVICE: 2 * BRACELET: 4 * LIGHTS: 4

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Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

Fig. 10

Fig. 5 - 6

Fig. 7 - 8

Fig. 9 - 10

DEVICE TESTING : Light & Vibration

LIGHT TESTING: Light & Vibration

LIGHT TESTING: Light & Vibration

DEVICE TESTING: Vibration

LIGHT TESTING: Light

LIGHT TESTING: Light & Vibration

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

TRACKING SHEET

Test tracking: I provided a track sheet with the following information.

1

TIME BRACELET VIBRATED

2

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

3 4 5

WHAT WERE YOU THINKING ABOUT?

HOW DO YOU FEEL? HAPPY, SAD, ANXIOUS, ANGRY, ANNOYED,ETC.

HOW TIRED ARE YOU? 1 VERY 10 NOT AT ALL.

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PERSONA RATING GRAPHIC

SELF-HELP SEEKER

JEANELLE

KATE

DAVID

LEVEL OF DISSATISFACTION IN LIFE

FREDDIE

LUCIA

TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE

JEANELLE

KATE

DAVID

FREDDIE

LUCIA

JEANELLE

KATE

DAVID

FREDDIE

LUCIA

DESIRE TO IMPROVE SPIRITUALITY

JEANELLE

KATE

DAVID

GRAPHIC. 4

FREDDIE

LUCIA

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

PERSONAS

THESE PERSONAS WERE DEVELOPED FROM MARKET RESEARCH AND SURVEYS CONDUCTED. THEY REPRESENT A WIDE RANGE OF PEOPLE INCLUDING RACE, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, INCOME AND CAREER. THE INTENDED DEMOGRAPHICS LEFT OUT OF THE STUDY INCLUDE TEENAGERS AND THE ELDERLY 73 OR OVER.

JEANELLE: Female, Black, 33 years old.

She has been in a relationship with her partner for nearly a decade. She practices yoga regularly and tries to meditate every day.

She is a community organizer for an environmental organization and is often stressed about finances.

She has begun to have problems with her partner because she is increasingly spending less and less time at home, and when she is home, is often preoccupied with other things in life.

She has purchased a mediation app with the hopes of it helping her to set aside time to practice. But she simply ignores the notifications or does not see them until late at night.

Jeanelle needs something more so she can be more relaxed in her life and present with her girlfriend.

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PERSONAS

KATE:

FREDDY:

Female, White, 25 years old.

Male, White, 31 years old.

Kate just graduated from nursing school, she is already working at a hospital. She lives alone, is single and has no kids.

She values the health of the mind, body and spirit. She believes that meditation and yoga can help her achieve her health goal.

Freddy works in a natural foods store. He is getting his degree in education.

Unfortunately her demanding schedule in the hospital prevents her from finding time. She is outward focused, often caring about her friends, her patients, rarely ever considering herself, her busy life keeps her always thinking about her next step.

He is very environmentally conscious. He appreciates the benefits of technology; he’s an Apple junkie.

Kate wants help focusing on the present moment, but she needs help. She has purchased many self help books about life prioritization and how to say “no” to favors, downloaded apps to improve focus and has tried to use Lumosity with very little success.

He is originally from the Midwest, is a vegetarian, and rides his bike every day.

He loves hiking and camping for days in the mountains to feel more in tune with himself. He gets very distracted when he’s working or in school, because he is thinking about being in the mountains or hiking, and planning his next adventure.

He wants that to change, he wants to feel in control, because he often misses out on important points in lectures and even misses jokes with his friends.

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

PERSONAS

DAVID:

LUCIA:

Male, White, 55 years old.

Female, Latina, 38 years old.

David works in software development and has been with his company for 22 years.

Lucia has a very busy life. She is married, has 2 boys ages 8 and 10.

He is married and has two children both who no longer live at home. He is beginning to feel really restless with the same routine for the past 25 years. He is beginning to work out regularly, just purchased a new fuel efficient car, began attending “power� seminars and just recently purchased a juicer.

She is a consultant in a law firm and spends a lot of her time chauffeuring the kids around to their many activities, while listening to NPR. Her husband travels for work a lot, and when he is home he helps anyway he can. These are the times when she can go to the gym, or for a walk.

He has seen some of his colleagues experience heart attacks pretty early and wants to change his sedentary life style to improve his general well being.

Lucia loves and values her family but she does not have enough time for herself.

One of his seminars recommended that he begin to meditate but does not feel too comfortable with the idea and often forgets to practice meditation.

She would like to have more time to do the things she enjoys like exercising, going for walks and enjoying nature.

Most of the time she is thinking about solving her kids problems, her family finances, her parents, and often misses out on the little details of the day. She lives through the motions of the day.

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HERE & NOW

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

RESULTS

The following results are the product of hundreds of hours of research and testing.

LITERARY RESEARCH RESULTS:

TESTING:

The key finding in my literary research was the methods that scientists have used to try and increase mindfulness. The two main points that transcend both the holistic practices and the scientific methods included:

Using the results mentioned above and engaging in multiple tests, I was able to prove that by creating a physical stimuli on the human body that an individual would associate with a specific reason, in this case practicing mindfulness, the results were greater than if a person simply received a tip on their smart phone. It took an extra step that would physically remind the user to be mindful in the moment they received the vibration.

1. Humans must train their minds to be more mindful.

2. The most effective method to remind a person to be mindful in the moment is through physical stimuli.

A third result from my research that came out of a study that measured why kids can’t sleep at night, was the effectiveness of blue light in keeping a person’s mind alert.

Putting it all together: With these two different methods of research, I am able to show the result that is now NUMI. NUMI combines both the need to practice and the need for a reminder with the physical stimulus and the blue light that would only add to the users alertness.

Key points

1. REMEMBER TO PRACTICE TRAINING YOUR BRAIN. 2. PHYSICAL STIMULUS.

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NUMI BRACELET

NUMI is designed to be light weight, with a clean design. It will be water resistant and have an easy to clasp strap. This one motion bracelet will sit comfortably on the wrist with its flat design that will not snag on clothing or gloves. The material will be made out of silicone. The device will hold the electronic chips that will receive the wireless alert and provide a unique vibration on the user’s wrist.

I designed NUMI in four different colors: white, black, purple and orange. These colors transcend gender norms and allow for different life styles from the care free to the sporty and the elegant to the business. The orange and purple are also colors that are used in meditation and mindfulness.

NUMI will give off a light from the acrylic triangle and button when a notification is sent. This light is a blue light that will stay on until the user clicks the button on the bracelet.

The user will have to charge NUMI every 72 hours. The bracelet will give off a sequence of lights to indicate low battery. Once, NUMI is plugged in, the light will turn off.

The user will know it is charged because the button on NUMI will be lit.

Numi characteristics:

* BLUE LIGHT * VIBRATION * BRACELET * NOTIFICATIONS * REMINDERS * TIPS * MINDFUL EXERCISES

MINDFULNESS

AWARENESS

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

PROTOTYPING

Prototyping not only brings an idea to life, but it opens the door to greater possibilities and informs us about challenges we never thought would occur.

Based on my conversations with an engineer, I began sketching possible designs for the bracelet. I wanted to be sure I developed a design that was durable, stylish and functional.

I also began creating sample designs using clay, resin, and foam. I prototyped several versions based on my most successful sketches (see picture 1a. and 1b.

Once I found the perfect design, I created over 30 prototypes using all types of material. I created molds to assist me in making shapes that would be used as placement buttons.

During the prototyping of the bracelet I began to sketch the mobile app. I created hand drawn wireframes, laid out possible site maps for the application and experimented with navigation using sticky notes. Once I settled on a navigation, I then transfered the sketches to an on line software.

Once I found a bracelet design I was pleased with, I created the bracelet in cinema 4D. I then transferred the design to Simplify 3D to create a 3D printed version. I experimented with printing the bracelet piece from different angles to find the best one.

I decided that the most effective way to secure the bracelet on the user was through a magnet. This bracelet has become a 1 piece bracelet with a flexible band that snaps together.

I was able to create a rudimentary design that would allow for the electrical components to fit into the bracelet while also keeping it small enough to not be in the way of every-day motions. This bracelet is one piece with a flexible and adjustable strap to fit different wrist sizes.

PROTOTYPING PHYSICAL SPACE TO PROBLEM SOLVE THROUGH HYPOTHETICAL PROBLEMS IN ORDER TO PRODUCE THE MOST EFFECTIVE MODEL.

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Fig. 12

Fig. 13

Fig. 12

Fig. 13

DEVICE SKETCH

SKETCH DETAIL

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

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Fig. 14

THROUGH SKETCHING DIFFERENT DESIGNS I WAS ABLE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN DESIGNS THAT COULD BE TURNED INTO REALITY.

Fig. 14 FIRST NUMI SKETCH

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Fig. 19

THROUGH USING STICKY NOTES, I WAS ABLE TO DEVELOP THE ENTIRE NAVIGATION OF THE APP. THIS MADE THE DESIGN OF THE APPLICATION MUCH QUICKER.

Fig. 19 FIRST APP SITE MAP

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

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Fig. 20

THIS WAS THE SECOND STEP IN DEVELOPING THE APPLICATION. I BEGAN BY DRAWING IT BY HAND, AND THEM TRANSFERED IT TO A SOFTWARE. I INTENDED THESE TO BE SIMPLE TO MAKE SURE I GOT THE NAVIGATION RIGHT.

Fig. 21

Fig. 20

Fig. 21

HAND DRAWN APP. SKETCHES

DETAILED MOCK UP

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Fig. 15

Fig. 16

Fig. 15 - 16 CLAY PROTOTYPES

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

Fig. 17

Fig. 18

Fig. 17

Fig. 18

CLAY PROTOTYPES

FINALIZED CLAY PROTOTYPE

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PROTOTYPING NUMI 3D

This prototype was made and sculpted in Cinema 4D after prototyping using clay

AFTER I DEVELOPED A DESIGN USING CLAY MOLDS, I CREATED A 3D RENDITION. I USED THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE CINEMA 4D AND WAS ABLE TO FOCUS MORE CLOSELY ON DETAILS THAT WOULD ENHANCE THE USER EXPERIENCE INCLUDING COLOR, AND HOW THE ACTUAL DEVICE THAT VIBRATES SITS ON THE STRAP.

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

Fig. 22

Fig. 23

Fig. 22

Fig. 23

CINEMA 4D RENDITION BLK

CINEMA 4D RENDITION WHT

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3D PRINTING

I imported the NUMI design I created in Cinema 4D to Simplify 3D. I wanted to print a life size version of NUMI to test the size. I printed several versions of the bracelet from my Maker Gear M2.

I experienced a couple of set backs while printing the bracelet and had to experiment with different spacial perspectives in order to get the smoothest and most accurate print.

Even though this is not a working prototype, this 3D printed version is the right size and shape. I was very satisfied with my design for NUMI, a.k.a, the Wake-anator 300.

Fig. 24

Fig. 24 3D PRINT PROTOTYPE

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

Fig. 25

Fig. 26

Fig. 27

Fig. 28

Fig. 29

Fig. 30

Fig. 25 - 26

Fig. 27 - 28

Fig. 29 - 30

SIMPLIFY 3D

MULTIPLE 3D PROTOTYPES

3D BRACELET PROTOTYPE

PRINTING NUMI

PAINTED PROTOTYPES

WEARING NUMI

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THESIS PROCESS BOOK

STYLE GUIDE LOGO

TYPOGRAPHY

COLOR PALETTE

WHITE

BLACK

P. 536 C

P. 313 C

P. 1505 C

P. 266 C

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THE BRACELET

MAGNETIC BAND

BUTTON * POWER ON/OFF * STOP VIBRATION * TURN OFF LIGHT

POWER PORT

LIGHT

Fig. 32

Fig. 31

Fig. 31

Fig. 32

FINALIZED NUMI DESIGN

NUMI LATERAL SIDE

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

Fig. 33

Fig. 34

Fig. 33

Fig. 34

NUMI MULTI-COLORS

NUMI BLK

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THE APP

The application is used to control the bracelets vibrations and the notifications to support the user in training their minds.

In an effort to reduce the business that distracts us from being in the here and now, I decided to approach the application using a simple design that will allow the user to understand the functionalities immediately with out any other distractions. This is a simple application with straight forward features including an easy to read and navigate menu that includes how NUMI works, tips and exercises to achieving mindfulness. This application will also provide research and factual scientific information about the practice of mindfulness and its benefits.

The application will provide the user with a user friendly control panel to increase or decrease the level of intensity of the vibration, set the frequency of notifications as well as what times during the day.

The primary color used throughout the application was white to represent the mindful state. The main accent color is cyan that supports the theory that this color of light increases alertness. As you saw previously, the NUMI bracelet features a blue light when it receives a reminder notification.

The greatest challenge in developing this application was to keep it simple to achieve the objective of providing people with a tool that reminds them to be in the moment.

“This application will power the NUMI bracelet to take the common self help applications to the next level.�

The NUMI application will be available to all who purchase the NUMI bracelet.

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

Fig. 35

Fig. 36

Fig. 35

Fig. 36

NUMI OPENING SCREEN

APPLICATION SCREENS

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Fig. 37 RED LINE MOCK UP

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

PRESENTATION MOCK UP

My exhibit at the Red Line will feature the signature blue light with White. It will be a simple design that will match the style of NUMI. Exhibition components:

* NUMI video * Application prototype * Bracelet Prototype * Process Book * Business cards

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PRESENT MOMENT

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

CONCLUSION

Research will often lead you to a conclusion you never expect

When I began thinking about what I wanted to do for my thesis, I took to heart the concept that design is intended to solve a problem in society. I began pondering the concept that we spend most of our time in an autopilot stage. This idea came to me when I had arrived home one day and realized that I had completely missed the entire drive home. How can we live while most of our lives happen and we don’t even realize it.

I began to speak with friends and family and quickly realized that not only did this happen to all of us, but most of us wished we lived in the present more often.

I believed that this project was going to be a challenge for me in both approaching a possible solution, to designing the solution, and even explaining the benefits of addressing this issue to others. And it did. I was also challenged when my research led me to conclusions that were beyond my expectations, for example the use of blue light, or the fact that the most common barrier to mindfulness is simply remembering.

Through this project, I was able to put all of the pieces together to create an effective and attractive design that has the potential to provide people with a tool that supports people in experiencing more of their lives by practicing mindfulness through living in the moment.

THE KEY TO SOLVING A DESIGN PROBLEM LIES IN THE APPROACH, THE ABILITY TO ADAPT AND TO BE OPEN TO INFORMATION FROM ALL POSSIBLE AVENUES. IT WAS IMPORTANT TO APPROACH THIS ISSUE WITHOUT PREDETERMINED SOLUTIONS.

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Mindfulness MINDFULNESS IS A STATE OF ACTIVE, OPEN ATTENTION ON THE PRESENT. WHEN YOU’RE MINDFUL, YOU OBSERVE YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS FROM A DISTANCE, WITHOUT JUDGING THEM GOOD OR BAD. INSTEAD OF LETTING YOUR LIFE PASS YOU BY, MINDFULNESS MEANS LIVING IN THE MOMENT AND AWAKENING TO EXPERIENCE.

THROUGH PRACTICE AND DEDICATION, WE WILL BECOME MORE MINDFUL, HAPPIER PEOPLE, CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING OUR FULL POTENTIAL.

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

EXPERT SUMMARY

Expert: Maria Guajardo, Ph.D. Psychology.

When first learning about NUMI, Dr. Maria Guajardo was interested in the science behind the correlation of mind wandering and happiness. Dr. Guajardo has been practicing Buddhism for 30 years and believes that mindfulness is the path towards enlightenment.

She believes that her daily practice has helped her to navigate through difficult times, evaluate situations with an objective point of view and have an unbiased perspective of herself. She pointed out that a key component of mindfulness is emotion. A persons emotional intelligence can be a determining factor to how receptive (s)he is to the effects of mindfulness.

She believes that everyone has the capacity to achieve mindfulness and ultimately live a happier life through experiencing the little moments. For those who do not practice Buddhism or any other type of spirituality, this approach could help one to remember to be in the moment. Unlike Buddhism where mindfulness is a constant state of mind, NUMI is a tool to help people experience mindfulness more often in small doses.

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SPECIAL THANKS

LORENA GARCIA - WIFE MOM - BERTHA FLORES DAD - JAIME FLORES MICHELLE CARPENTER SILLE KRUKOW STACY ESPOSITO RAY SAMS LAURA GARCIA BRYAN DELIVIE BRYAN LISTER MARIA GUAJARDO DOGS (CHAVELA, BARTO & LENNY) ME

THESIS PROCESS BOOK

INSPIRATION

ENCOURAGEMENT

FEEDBACK

WRITING

EDITING

RESEARCH

SOUNDING BOARD

GENERAL SUPPORT

EMOTIONAL LOVE

BAD MOJO

VIDEO

DRIVER

FOOD SPONSOR

PHYSICAL LOVE

EMOTIONAL PUNCHING BAG

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SOURCES

1.

Barron, E. Et. al.,(May, 2011). Absorbed in Thought: The Effect of Mind Wandering on the Processing of Relevant and Irrelevant Events. Psychological Science. vol. 22, 5: pp. 596-601.

2.

Farb, N.A.S, Et. al., (August 13, 2007), “Attending to the present: mindfulness meditation reveals distinct neural modes of self-reference”, Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. Retrieved from: http://scan.oxfordjournals.org/content/2/4/313.full.pdf+html

3.

Hasenkamp, W. ( July 17, 2013). “How to Focus a Wandering Mind.” Greater Good, The Science of a Meaningful Life, Retrieved from: http://greatergood. berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_focus_a_wandering_mind

4.

Hooker, E.K. (2008). “Teaching Mindfulness to Children”, The Gestalt Review. 12(1):75-91

5.

Killingsworth, M. ( July 16th, 2013). “Does Mind-Wandering Make You Un-happy?”, Greater Good, The Science of a Meaningful Life, Retrieved from: http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/does_mind_wandering_make_you_unhappy#

6.

Killingsworth, M. ( July 16th, 2013). “Does Mind-Wandering Make You Un-happy?”, Greater Good, The Science of a Meaningful Life, Retrieved from: http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/does_mind_wandering_make_you_unhappy#

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Karelaia, N., (August 5, 2014). How Mindfulness Improves Decision-Making. Forbes.com, Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/insead/2014/08/05/how-mindfulness-improves-decision-making/

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Mrazek, D.M. et. al, (May, 2013). Mindfulness Training Improves Working Memory Capacity and GRE Performance While Reducing Mind Wandering.

Psychological Science. vol. 24, 5: pp. 776-781.

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Planck-Gesellschaft, M. ( January 16, 2014). “Brain on autopilot: How the architecture of the brain shapes its functioning”. Science Daily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140116113506.htm

10. Rock, D., (November 14, 2010). “New Study Shows Humans Are on Autopilot Nearly Half the Time”, Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www. psychologytoday.com/blog/your-brain-work/201011/new-study-shows-humans-are-autopilot-nearly-half-the-time.

11. TEDx: Ideas Worth Spreading, “Matt Killingsworth, Want to be happier? Stay in the moment”, TED video, 10:13, November 2011. http://www.ted.com/ talks/matt_killingsworth_want_to_be_happier_stay_in_the_moment?embed=true

12. University of Wisconsin-Madison. (2012, March 15). A wandering mind reveals mental processes and priorities. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 17, 2015 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120315161326.htm

13. Wickle, C., (November, 2006). “Matter out of place”, Journal of Media and Culture. Vol 9, issue 5.

14. Wood, B., (March 7th, 2011). “Don’t live in default mode”, livingthebalancedlife.com, retrieved from: http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2011/dont-livein-default-mode/