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LYDIA O’NEILL
digital / balance
A project researching into the future of technology and constant connectivity, with focus on the impact this has on our human behaviour and well-being. Inspired by Howard Gardiner and Kelly Davis’ The App Generation, the research focused on identity, imagination and intimacy for the younger generation in the Digital Age. Research was collected through academic reading, ethnographic research, interviews and a survey. digital / balance focused on presenting this research in creative and striking ways, to engage a younger, wider audience with important social research.
See the full story at : www.digital-balance.weebly.com / @saynotofomo
it’s time to reconnect
53% think they have a healthy relationship with digital technology.
30-40% of ordinary conversation consists of people talking about themselves, whereas around 80% of social media updates are self focused.
90% of young people look at their phone first thing in the morning.
(Gardiner, H and. Davis, K. (2014) The App Generation. p 76)
60% said a “healthy� relationship with technology means not using devices around others.
78% said they would be interested in a digital detox 84% said they knew somebody who could use a digital detox. * insights from a survey by 66 participants ages 18 - 60+.
the campaign digital / balance is a movement towards a future society with control over technology and constant connectivity. What began as a campaign to create awareness of our increasing digital dependency, stimulated the design of a future service that encourages people to reconnect with their true self and natural environment within everyday life. In doing so, digital / balance aims to prevent the future scenario of total disconnection by promoting harmonious balance between the digital and physical world. We are striving to challenge the rapidly accepting social norm of constant-connectivity by opening our eyes to a promising future scenario of control over our digital self, in the form of balance. Our mission is to provide the tools and support to regain the control lost to our digital self, by reconnecting with the physical world; and, ultimately, finding balance.
“We believe more and more young people are app-dependent than app-enabled” (Gardiner, H and. Davis, K. (2014) The
App Generation. p 76)
The Lead up to disconnect EXPRESS IDENTIT Y As a human need, we find ways to express who we are. The internet came and gave us a tool to express ourselves.
CONFORM We seek to be part of something bigger to stay connected. In doing so, we conform to the social norms around us. When we gained access to the internet, we began signing up to social media, because that became the norm.
DIGITAL SELF We begin to build our digital identity, doing things in the physical to share on the virtual world. Filtering our lives to present ourselves in the way we would like to be perceived by our online peers. We become creatures of our online, rather than our physical environment. We begin to become defined by our digital self.
SUPER CHARGED VALIDATION In our accelerated human need to be validated by people, we curate and conform our digital self to popular opinion and appraisal – a.k.a. ‘Likes’. When the perceived success of our digital self is represented in how many Likes and Followers we gain, our digital identity is defined by other people.
IDENTIT Y CRISIS As our control over our digital identity diminishes, we become detached from our true individual identity, losing our natural ability to imagine and form intimate relationships.
ENTER DISCONNECT A complete physical and emotional disconnection from ourselves; our environment; and, people.
the digital diet plan
Mindful awareness.
Self rediscovery.
Awareness allows an individual to decide their own future. The spinning top symbolises our need to become mindful of reality, space and time. As the top spins it concentrates our thoughts free from distractions and focuses our minds.
We are looking into the screen for a reflection of ourselves, instead of asking ourselves who we really are. The mirror provide a physical reflection for rediscovery of ones true self.
Natural exploration. Reconnecting with our enviroment orders for exploration away from the screen. The binoculars encourage users to explore the natural world around them from a new perspective.
Multisensory experiences. Sensory, Stimulating experiences trigger feelings and emotions that get lost in the 2d digital sphere.
The digital diet plan, initially a design for debate concept, developed into a trialled and tested plan. The digital diet plan was tested by six participants aged 21-24. There reasons for practising the digital diet varied from productivity to feelings of loneliness. Research into sociology and behaviour change fuelled the service design, using the testers insights to develop and refine the service. The digital diet plan arrives in the form of a physical kit, providing tools to enhance the two phase user journey to finding balance, by reconnecting them with the natural world and self. The kit has been designed to celebrate the physical and surprise.
the retreat
In 2020, after years of challening he social conformity of constant connetivity and digital dependency, digital / balance manifests itself as an urban retreat, offering services for everyday people to temporarily disconnect from digital, to reconnect with ones true self, enviroment and relationshps. The retreat aims to foster a community of like minded, blanaced people seeking stimulation outside the virtual world.
the installation With the mission to compete against the distraction of digital devices, an interactive installation was mapped out, designed and constructed, drawing the eyes away from the screen to the digital / balance campaign. The installation presented a timeline of events to the Lead Up To Disconnect scenario, prompting guests to add to the timeline with their predictions of what is to come. The guests were then invite to looking to a mirror and listen to a recording through headphones, where they were asked to become self aware of their reliance to digital technology. At the end of the installation, guests were greeted into a model of the digital / balance retreat.
HUMAN CHARGER Why should you have to wait for your phone to charge? As our reliance on our devices increases, with maps and virtual gaming taking over our journeys from A to B, people are understandably frustrated at their limited battery life inhibiting their online access. Whilst we wait for better batteries, the new trend to become our own power source for our devices flourishes, many sporting solar panel headbands that convert sun rays into battery charge.
2017
2016
SMARTER SIRI 2015 2014
TINDER FRIENDS
Iphone 7 launches with a “smarter” Siri. With a range of 6 different voice tones, Siri’s surprisingly dry wit and knowledge of popular culture and trends makes holding conversation more human. When in conversation, Siri will ask you questions to learn more about the user in order to provide an intuitive service and a closer relationship with your iPhone.
ID store
2020
2019
2018 (5,745,000 ^)
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#SHEFENG
BE 1 OF 5 MILLION FENG SHUI SHES
LEARN THE LINGO
iDENTITY STORE GLASS SPREADS 21 million Goggle Glass’ sold despite the initial controversial launch and resistance. Google Glass cleverly infiltrated the workplace, replacing mobiles and inevitably spreading to the streets. As sales increased the cultural stigma quickly subsides as Google Glass becomes a social norm with competitors launching newer and cheaper models to market.
be feng shui she buy now
The identity store launches online, offering a range of downloadable packaged identities to gain a desirable digital identity that fits the person you want to be. Browse through a variety of packages to find the identity that suits you as well as the top trending. Each package offers tools, filters and tips for you to express yourself and your new identity in a way that promises to grab peoples attention. Each package seamlessly transform your whole virtual experiences and interface over all devices and can be admired by passers by through their Google Glass and other wearable devices. When you want to revamp your style you can upgrade or replace your identity like a new haircut.
96% of the guests said they would be interested in joining digital / balance.
“If I am honest, I do value facebook comments and likes more than real face to face conversation...the installation has made me think about my behaviour and genuinely want to change it.” Daleen, 22
“When you read the timeline and the predictions it’s scary because you can see these things happening!” Ben, 20
FREE GYM Free Gym is a not-for-profit organisation working to break the barriers to fitness. We are all aware of the health benefits to regular exercise, however only:
40 % of men and 28% women meet the recommended 150 mins. physical activity a week. Free Gym supports skilled and locally recommended fitness trainers to donate a free, unique class to their local community; providing people with the chance to experience some of the 100+ unique fitness classes to be found in London without the large fees or nasty contracts. In return, Free Gym hosts the event in local parks across different boroughs, whilst promoting the event and trainer. By taking the class out of the gym, a level ground is created, removing the intimidation and fear often associated with fitness classes. At the trainer’s discretion, a promotion will be offered at the end of the class, giving a financial incentive to continue classes over a longer period. For added encouragement, the online platform allows the user to track their progress, vote for the classes they want to try and the option to buddy up for encouragement with people in their area.
£10 billion ?!
£ NHS is now spending £10 billion on mental health treatment
when most earlier cases of depression and anxiety can be treated with...
regular
BARRIERS TO EXERCISE
Carla Chapman, student, 22
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VS.
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Fees
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mental
physical
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exercise
I want to exercise cheaply but I hate jogging. Free Gym has the potential to be really fun!
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no goals
body
Intimidation
Motivation
“There is significant risk of exclusion in the afforadability for lower income groups.”
44%
90%
of people unhappy with their health, are happpy with their life.
of people happy with their health, are happy with their life.
124+ unique fitness classes in London
43%
1/2
say cheaper access to facilities would encourage exercise
of people on benefits experience mental health issues
£442
sport is a growing market in London at £1,770 million
average annual price for a gym membership
SIGN UP
“I think this idea has only benefits for everyone involved... It would be great to be a part of.”
Alex Hanley, independent Yoga teacher
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Locations
FREE GYM for all
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PROMOTIONS
YOGA Naomi Bester
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BOOTCAMP Dan Price
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BATTODO John Evans
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STREET DANCE Jennifer Green “ I believe exercise should be creative to be fun. I have tailored my classes to...”
BOXERCISE
RECOMMENDATIONS
James Manoja Finsbury Park, N16 Liked by:
UNIQUE CLASSES, RECOMMENDED BY YOU
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Good Gym
USER
Recommend and vote for teacher/class
Create profile and set goals
RSVP
Attend class and leave with code
Use code to leave feedback, update progress, add classmates to circle + buy
Leave with code
TRAINER
FREE GYM
Follow teacher
Create profile
social media
arrange
Donate a class
date for class manage afeedback bookArrange promotion data (+ optional promotion to
Online payment
Host class
gain regular clients)
Manage online platform + events system. Promote Free Gym to online/offline community
Advertise + contact potential teachers
CIRCLES
Circles
how do i start
There are 120+ unqique fitness classes in London, with 1000’s of qualified fitness gurus. Free Gym is teaming up with your locally recommended trainers to give you the chance to find the perfect class for you for free with no nasty contracts. Free Gym save you time and travel by hosting the class in your local parks and spaces and we promise to make it a good show. Sign up to explore and vote for different classes, track your progress, gain tips from people in your community and recieve exclusive promotions for the classes you know you enjoy.
“We would be interested in new ways to promote our events”
Do you know a fitness teacher that has helped you Reach your goal? By recommending your trainer to free gym not only are you returning the support, you are helping OTHERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY FEEL AS GOOD AS YOU DO.
Progress
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What’s it all about?
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Classes
Teachers
Organise event, advertise + post event invitation
Set up and monitor event.
Leave message for class, receive feedback host class (+ offer promotion)
Manage feedback + provide online payment
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Your next class: Bootcamp 28 January 2014
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Feedback Recommendations SCHEDULE: SCHEDULE: 17th 17thBoxercise Boxercise 28th 28thBootcamp Bootcamp
BOXERCISE with james
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Thanks for coming! I hope everyone enjoyed learning the basics to Boxing. I’d love to hear what you all thought of my class and I hope to see you some of you at my regular classes!
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NEW CLASS
Boxercise
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Location: Finsbury park Date: 18th January 2014 Time: 17:30 - 19:00
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see WHAT YOUR CLASSMATES had to say: This is the first time ive tried boxercise and I was worried i’d be terrible but James made us all feel comfortable and we all...” Samantha, Homerton
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Wellbeing key measure 5 CLASSES FOR 4 +16 others
BUY
of L Ke ond ns on in Br gton om le B y Ri exle ch y m Ha ond v Hi erin llin g gd Ha on rro w
user progress
Ci ty
OPPORTUNITIES + INCENTIVES
Quarterly wellbeing reports based on progress and feedback collected from users in different London boroughs.
££ 2013/14 budget to local authorities to fund services that benefit both health and social care will increase by 38% to £0.9 billion
SPONSORS
With strong media engagement and public interest, there is an opportunity to collaborate with brands to create branded experiences to raise
There is an opportunity for sponsorship as brands continue to find new ways of showing charitable support to their communities.
Nesta’s current programme Rethinking Parks is looking for new ideas and business models to allow the future public to protect and continue enjoying
Potential to scale up to use alternative space to parks. Up until this point public parks remain free to use as the concept is benefiting local trainers and improving community well-being.
CIRCLES
Hi Carla!
My Account
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This not-for-profit organisation model can be replicated elsewhere in the country and beyond giving more people awareness and accessibility to a more enjoyable, active lifestyle.
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THE NEW EVERYDAY
A design research project for Philips Innovation Design Lab into Big Data and how it can be used to enhance our everyday lives. The power of scent over our everyday lives is too often underestimated. Research into the power of scent, future oflactory technology and big data was presented to Director, Gavin Proctor. The research stimulated the design and prototype of a future olfatory device which celebrates scent by encapsulating and recording the scent. Wearable monitoring devices record the bodies reaction to a scent; sending signals to the device to release an appropriate aroma for the users mood and point in schedule.
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BOWERS & WILKINS A live project with Bowers and Wilkins to design a portable speaker that will attract new consumer markets to the brand. Consumer research highlighted that the previous models were robust, often described as “masculine�. Our team decided to focus the project on designing a speaker that was gender neutral, whilst maintaining the quality and brand identity Bowers and Wilkins pride themselves for. We introduced a new market to Bowers & Wilkins, creating a visual story around Flo, a 28 year old, freelance Advertiser living in North London.
A truly portable device with the same sound quality you would expect from Bowers and Wilkins. The clean aesthetic has a gender neutral look that can be admired by all. The design is playful but still encapsulates the quality and aesthic to make the device a desirable, luxurious item.
The touch screen display allows you to activiate the device and control what track is being played.
The device can be played when open and closed without taking up too much space on your desk.
In keeping with the gender neutral look and feel, concept 2 is a device you can put on display with a clean, refined aestheic that was designed to fit into multiple enviroments.
Inspired by the simplicity of the original classic ipod dial, the volume, track and other functionalities can all be made using the one dial encased in the wooden top of the device.
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UNIVERSAL CANE
HiTCH has been designed as an antidote to passive design in disability products, eliminating the stigma against walking sticks, by replacing the ‘aid’ status with a universal cane that considers form as much as function.
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NON - LITERAL FORM
RESEARCH
With the brief to design a form without a function, I decided I wanted my design to carry a message. Playing on our consumer societies need for the latest gadget, I designed a form with a futuristic aesthetic, showing an abundance of electronics encapsulated within.
The design details allure the user with a product interaction that encourages the user to touch, slide and play with the form. The final design emerged from user testing foam models to see which design caught the attention of my audience first.
Traditional Holistic Authentic Honest