Umi
Emotional Connection Products for Sizhe Huang
Umi redefines digital communication by transforming abstract emotions into tangible experiences, bridging the gap between digital interactions and human touch. Inspired by the paradox of connectivity breeding isolation, it innovates through physical objects that embody emotions and interactive technology that simulates touch. The design challenges the norm by integrating haptic feedback and sensory materials, fostering a deeper human connection. Umi embodies a shift towards a more authentic and empathetic digital dialogue.
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Umi by Sizhe Huang
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Emotional Connection Products by Sizhe Huang
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Sizhe Huang Umi
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Umi Emotional Connection Products Press Releases
Explore press materials for Umi, available in languages such as English.
Umi Emotional Connection Products Media Articles
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Unique Properties
Umi introduces a novel approach to digital communication by blending physical objects, the Pebble and Nest, with an intuitive app. It allows digital expressions to be felt physically, a feature absent in current communication tools. It makes distant conversations feel close and personal by turning virtual messages into real-world interactions through touch and presence. Umi's strength lies in its simplicity and making technology feel more human, offering a unique blend of emotional engagement.
Tags
Tangible Connectivity, Emotional Resonance, Digital-Tactile Fusion, Human-Centric Design, Sensory Experience, Virtual Intimacy, Innovative Communication, Personal Tokens, User Experience Design, Interaction Design
Production Technology
The Pebble uses haptic tech for a realistic touch feel, made from a tactile material boosting sensory interactions. The Nest has NFC and Bluetooth, linking easily to phones and playing voice messages instantly. The Umi and Apple Watch apps provide a cohesive digital journey, utilizing modern API and machine learning for live, tailored touch and voice exchanges.
Design Challenge
The challenge in creating Umi was twofold: ensuring it adapts to varied user environments while maintaining emotional authenticity. I strived to capture genuine feelings in a digital format, a task requiring a delicate balance between technology and human emotion. Additionally, harmonizing tactile feedback with visual elements was essential, aiming for a design that felt natural and intuitive across different scenarios, enriching the user's emotional experience without compromise.
Project Duration
The project started in January 2022 and finished in June 2022 in Los Angeles.
Operation Flow
Start with the Umi app to personalize your Pebble and Nest, and invite friends to participate. After exchanging Umi sets, users link their devices with the app. Interactions through Umi are intuitive: a touch on the Pebble sends a signal, creating a physical sensation of touch for the recipient through their device. Voice messages are similarly easy to exchange, with the Nest playing the message upon placement of the phone. This setup enables straightforward, tactile, and auditory communication, enhancing the way users connect from afar.
Research
Through expert interviews and user surveys, I explored the role of tactile feedback in enhancing digital communication’s emotional depth. The objective was to blend physical sensations with digital interactions, addressing the lack of warmth in current technologies. The research identified a demand for features like haptic feedback and personalized avatars, leading to Umi’s development. User testing of prototypes refined the design, emphasizing simplicity and emotional connection.
Inspiration
Umi is born from a digital paradox: in our hyper-connected world, we find ourselves ensnared in a web of loneliness. This revelation emerged from a deep dive into the digital age's impact on human connection, uncovering a stark absence of tactile interaction. Inspired by the enduring power of simple human gestures, from the warmth of a handwritten note to the comfort of a gentle touch, Umi aims to reintegrate these sensory experiences into digital communication.
Image Credits
Sizhe Huang
Project Overview
Umi Emotional Connection Products has been a Iron winner in the Interface, Interaction and User Experience Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.
Iron Recognition
Sizhe Huang was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Umi Emotional Connection Products.
Sizhe Huang Press Releases
Journalists and media members can enrich their content with our press releases on Sizhe Huang, available for free use. Press members can now immediately access 1 press releases.
Introducing Umi: Redefining Digital Communication with Emotional Connection Products
Designer Sizhe Huang Unveils Umi, a Novel Approach to Digital Communication Blending Physical and Digital Interactions
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