Laura
Peters
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
Tools & Software Used
Figma
Physical Prototyping
Overview
In this project, my group and I designed a solution to improve sleep comfort by creating both an app wireframe and a physical prototype. I collaborated with four other User Experience undergraduate students, and together we prioritized a user-centered approach, aiming to create a seamless and intuitive UX. As we explored the somatic aspects of the experience, we focused on how the body would physically interact with our design. By incorporating elements such as touch, haptics, and motion, we were able to thoughtfully integrate somatic awareness into our solution and enhance the overall user experience.
Project Goals
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Incorporate as many somatic experiences as possible.
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Connect the final product to the Internet of Things.
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Use an electronic component in the physical prototype.
Project Challenges
We encountered challenges related to cost-effectiveness and safety in our design process. Initially, we planned to use carbon fiber as our heating conductor, but during a peer review session, we realized that it was far too expensive for our intended use. This feedback prompted us to rethink our material choices to ensure the product remained both functional and affordable.
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We also faced challenges in ensuring user safety. Since our product was a pillow with integrated heating and cooling elements—used while the user is sleeping, a particularly vulnerable state—it was essential to carefully consider potential risks. We had to thoughtfully design around these concerns to ensure the product would be safe for long-term use without compromising comfort or performance.
Design Process
Our design process benefited from early ideation and iteration. We began by exploring how we could incorporate at least two distinct somatic experiences into our concept, which encouraged creative thinking from the start. Once we landed on the idea of a temperature-changing pillow with haptic feedback—later named SleepSync—our direction became more focused. We used an Arduino board and code to prototype the sound component of our design, which helped bring the concept to life in a tangible way. Our team collaborated effectively throughout most of the project, which contributed to a smooth and productive design process overall.
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Despite our overall success, we did face challenges with group communication at times. Not everyone was consistently engaged, likely due to outside commitments and personal priorities, which occasionally created tension within the group. Some members felt frustrated when others weren’t contributing equally or communicating delays. We addressed this by having an open, in-person conversation about the importance of communication in collaborative work. By encouraging honesty and offering support, we were able to re-establish accountability and move forward more effectively as a team.
My Involvement
Through this project, I gained a wide range of valuable skills and insights. Presenting our final design helped me build confidence in communicating ideas clearly and professionally. Working in a team also taught me important lessons in conflict resolution—particularly how to navigate differing opinions and keep the project moving forward. I developed a stronger understanding of somatic experiences and how the body plays a role in user interaction, which expanded my perspective on UX design. Additionally, I was introduced to the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT), which deepened my appreciation for how interconnected technologies can shape user experiences in meaningful ways.​
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This project helped me become more comfortable with exploratory design and taught me to embrace the ambiguity that often comes with early stages of the design process. I deepened my understanding of physical prototyping—how to create, evaluate, and improve tangible components. By integrating a digital element, like our app, I also gained insight into designing cohesive experiences that connect the physical and digital. This experience expanded my ability to think holistically as a UX designer, considering how users interact across multiple touchpoints.
