Journey map: a day of a couple in distance
Design statement
Brainstorming
The Ideal System
How might we solve the problem of lack of communication and interaction between long-distance couples by making something suitable for long-distance couples, so as to increase the success rate of long-distance relationship?
fixed communication style
lack of topics
lack of emotional expression
lack of physical interaction
Create interaction opportunities beyond traditional communication
Provide other sensory interactions than visual and auditory
Enhance intimacy in life between long-distance couples
Design opportunities stem from identified pain points. These include improving messaging speed, exploring alternative communication methods, enhancing rapid information retrieval, developing a real-time update platform for partners, and creating a product that addresses couples' communication reluctance.
Use
Use
Use
Use
data
control
control
feedback
The girl’s puppet
The boy’s puppet
feedback
feedback
feedback
signals
signals
data
Randomly generated topic app
A pillow to sleep with
Long-distance couples emotional record app
A product that simulates a hug
Long distance relationship difficulties help app
Remote two-player game
A player to listen to songs together
Museum of Long-distance Couples
A puppet that can hold hands with
A product can give feedback in times of loneliness
A product with a very cute face
A product with an expression
The Tangible hardware & Interaction Design by co-creation
According to the co-creation, I also conclude 3 different messages that need interaction to convey.
The 2nd type of emotional message and indications need more designs.
Participants co-create and all mention the pixel style. Therefore, the final UI is by pixel.
I wanna hug.
I am happy.
A message comes.
I want to talk to you.
I am going to rest.
I wanna touch you.
I am angry.
I wanna hug.
I am happy.
A message comes.
I am angry.
Most people would like the product to be a phone case or a puppet that can be held in their hands, because they are easy to carry and can be used at any time.
The different prototypes are played by participants. The preferred prototype is chosen and they also create interesting interactions with the prototype, which inspire the design.
Interactions are selected by participant’s play.
1st co-creation - what it should be like?
2nd co-creation - the handy size & potential interaction
3rd design: messages by the tangible interaction
4th co-creation: the emotional message - info interaction
5th design: some finalizatons
“The large puppet is more comfortable to pinch and hold”
“I like the feeling of holding”
A body touch from the other side
A body touch from the other side
A emotional feeling to each other
Instant messages on the phone
A emotional feeling to each other
Instant text messages on phones
“I want this product to show my feelings to my girlfriend.”
“Sometimes I just want to keep track of my girlfriend's messages. If only the product could tell me if she wants to talk to me.”
“ I hope to have more contact with the product, I hope I pinch his foot, his foot will vibrate, and then I can put it on my face, very comfortable.”
The Assisted APP
Information architecture
Wireframe
LO-FI & Testing
Log in
Emoji DIY
Records of communi
Memorizing space
Home - connection
Connection Setting
Emoji DIY
Records of communication
Couples’ memorize space
Based on the user flow, I made a low-fidelity diagram. I invited some users to use my prototype. In the process of using it, the users pointed out some problems, and I made corresponding improvements based on these problems.
Improvements 👇
Storyboard: Now, this is my day with my boyfriend
Lily didn't see Keven's message, so he squeezed the puppet's hand to remind her.
Keven is in a good mood and wants to share his happiness with Lily.
Keven is under a great stress, so he touches the puppet's belly to show he wants a hug.
When Lily saw the icon lit up on the puppet's face, she understood Keven's intention.
Lily is happy to see the smile the puppet gave her.
Lily sees the puppet wants a hug, so she presses the puppets’ arms to give him a hug.
Lily is not happy. She pinches the puppet's ears to show her anger.
Keven pinches the puppet's leg.
Keven sees the puppet's swinging arms and puts his finger between its arms for a warm hug. He feels better now.
Keven found the puppet angry, he quickly talked to Lily.
The puppet's legs vibrate and Lily holds it to his face. She feels comfortable.
Lily touches the puppet's head to let Keven know that she needs to rest.
