Echo

by Bella Miller

Project Description

Developed in close collaboration with two individuals with lived experience, the Echo project set out to explore how product system interventions could affect positive change in the complex field of mental health. The experiences of young adult outpatients, specifically those around self monitoring (which is often required in treatment) and communicating within support networks were found to be viable points for intervention, and informed the development of a new product system.

The premise behind Echo's formation was to create a product that's there when you need it and invisible when you don't. As such, the device is no bigger than the palm of a hand, and is easily stowed in a pocket or bag when not in use. The product’s interactions, form, and materiality make it meaningful and emotionally compatible, while its size and ease of use ensure it is unobtrusive in the lives of young adult populations.

Problem behaviours are logged real time through a dial interaction, which captures the date and time, and sends this data to the companion app. Inspired by calming techniques adopted and prescribed by specialists, the device reads the pulse of the user, and reflects this through vibrations. This aims to calm users by drawing attention to their breathing and encouraging deep breathing exercises.

A companion app visualises data for the user, and provides a platform through which relevant details may be assigned to specific occurrences, as is often specified by psychologists ,depending on the nature of the condition. There is also the option to selectively share data visualisations with other members of the individual’s support team. Abstract, non-verbal communication allows individuals to check in whilst maintaining a degree of privacy, and overcoming difficulties in articulating how they feel.

Bio

I’m Bella, a passionate product and systems designer. I’m fascinated by how the world works, how people operate within it, and how design has the ability to affect sustainable and behavioural change in such complexity.

My skills lie in unpacking complex problems, turning insights into actionable product and service requirements, and sharing this process with others through verbal, written and visual communication. This is a skillset I have developed through my roles as a designer, communicator, and teacher.

I’m a highly motivated and extremely chatty people enthusiast, who thrives in a collaborative setting. I have a proven aptitude for learning, and a keen interest in the application of design thinking across disciplinary bounds.

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