Stryt - Posture Check
Wearable Technology
User Centred Design
Interaction Design
Context-Aware Computing
Team
Master's Thesis Project - Digital Futures
Client
Independent Project
Tools
Arduino, Figma, P5.JS, Rhinoceros 3D,
Keyshot, Adobe Creative Suite
Product Designer
My Role
6 months
Duration
Project Context
User Centred Design
Project Overview
Posture Check: Creative Technological Approaches" explores new ways of giving individuals real-time visual feedback on changes in their posture to help them become more aware of their stance. The physical prototype is a posture awareness device Stryt that detects sitting posture. When a person’s posture deteriorates, the device detects the data wirelessly and shares it with your computer. It provides real-time feedback through varying digital visualisations which notify people about their changing posture in an unobtrusive way.
Product Design
Posture Check
Wearable
Desktop App
Project Background
Human posture is crucial for overall health, as poor posture can lead to back strain, depressive symptoms, and low confidence. On average, people sit for about 13 hours daily, making proper sitting posture vital. Poor posture not only affects mental and physical health but also increases stress levels. Discussions with peers revealed that people often overlook their posture until they experience negative effects and often misjudge what good posture feels like.
Traditional posture monitoring methods are often impractical due to being time-consuming and costly. Proper posture aligns the spine correctly, whereas slouching weakens muscles and increases stress. Sedentary lifestyles worsen poor posture, even among physically active individuals.
Inspired by my master's studies at OCAD University, this project aims to develop a wearable device that monitors posture and provides subtle, real-time feedback to encourage proper sitting habits. The prototype uses a microcontroller to detect movement and discreetly notify users when their posture deteriorates, helping them maintain better posture throughout the day.
The development of over 1,200 reports across programs poses a substantial burden for the client, exacerbated by the absence of consistent governance and business rules. Additionally, the presence of unclean and differently structured data compounds the challenge, leading to a lack of a single source of truth.
Challenge
The primary research question addressed by this thesis is:
What are effective but non-intrusive methods for using existing technologies and interfaces to share posture feedback with users to help them improve their posture awareness?
Research Question
During my research, I identified several limitations. The project began during lockdown, and the target audience was primarily attending school from home, resulting in a lack of first-hand engagement with users. Additionally, the project required expert advice from health professionals, such as chiropractors and doctors, to identify the exact placement of the product. However, due to COVID restrictions, I was unable to consult with any professionals. To keep the project manageable, I focused on standard sensors rather than more innovative approaches. Additionally, the creation of the interface and wireframes for a desktop application connected to the wearable device was not explored.
Limitations
Design Process
Research
User Analysis
Concept Development
Design Iteration
Prototyping
Evaluation & Future Improvements
A comparison of key features and usability od competitor products in the market.
Competitor Analysis
Upright Go
-
Worn on upper back
-
Sends small vibration when slouching
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Smaller than its counterpart, UPRIGHT Pro
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Worn on lower back
-
Sends small vibration when slouching
-
Records daily posture to phone app
Upright Pro
Mevics
-
Worn on clothing
-
Easily placed on clothing with a magnet
-
Small magnet could easily get lost or fall off clothing
-
Small and out of the way, not an irritant on the skin
LUMO
Conclusion -
-
Lumo and Mevics : Best for those looking for a discreet and easy-to-wear option on clothing.
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Upright Pro and Upright Go : Best for users needing direct feedback through vibrations and detailed posture tracking on a phone app.
-
Worn on clothing
-
Small and out of the way, not an irritant on skin
-
Easily placed on clothing with a magnet
-
May not gather the most accurate information
Worn on body
Worn on clothing
User Persona
Work
Loacation
Age
Status
Stacy Dominique
Graduate Student
Los Angeles
28
Single
-
Intuitive apps
-
Smart wearables
Tech Habits
Stacy is a graduate student enrolled in an online MBA program at the University of California. She spends many hours each day attending classes and working on assignments, which requires her to sit for extended periods. This prolonged sitting is beginning to impact her health negatively.
About
Excessive sitting has started to affect Stacy's health, causing significant discomfort and severe pain due to poor posture.
Pain Points
Excessive sitting has starteStacy needs to find an effective solution to alleviate her pain as soon as possible, enabling her to focus on her studies and maintain her health.d to affect Stacy's health, causing significant discomfort and severe pain due to poor posture.
Goal
Work
Loacation
Age
Status
Michael Thompson
Software Engineer
Toronto
36
Married
-
Advanced tracking
-
App integration
Tech Habits
Michael is a software engineer in Toronto. He spends long hours coding, leading to back pain and discomfort. He's seeking a solution to improve his posture and reduce pain. Michael enjoys hiking and playing with his kids during his free time.
About
Prolonged sitting causes significant back pain, impacting his focus and productivity. Michael worries about the long-term effects on his health.
Pain Points
Michael aims to find an easy-to-use solution to monitor and improve his posture, reducing back pain and enhancing his well-being for better work performance.
Goal
Understanding the needs, goals, and challenges of our users is essential for developing our posture correction device. This section explores the profiles of typical users affected by prolonged sitting and poor posture, providing insights into their routines, pain points, objectives, and technology preferences. These insights will help us design a solution that effectively addresses their needs and enhances their well-being.
Customer Journey Map
This journey outlines the user's experience from recognizing back pain to achieving relief with Stryt Posture. It highlights key phases: identifying the problem, acclimating to the app, and using the device for continuous improvement.
A user notices discomfort in the back and is sure it's a result of sitting for too long while working.
Recognizing the Problem
Uses Stryat Posture, with all its functions, and begins to get gradual relief from the backache.
Using the Device
To continue the improvement process
Goal:
Thought :
Confident that Stryat Posture will provide ongoing relief and improve overall posture
Action :
Continues using the app and also recommend to others.
Emotion :
Relieved and optimistic as back pain starts to improve
Back Pain
Pain Point :
Thought :
Scared the back pain may be a long lasting issue if not treated soon
Action :
Starts to search for a solution to cure the back ache
Emotion :
Worried about long-term back issue
To solve the back pain issue
Goal :
Thought :
Hopeful that Stryt Posture correction device will be the solution to the problem
Action :
Buys the product from the market, Installs the app and signs up
Emotion :
Hopeful and curious about the new solution
Gets Stryat Posture and starts getting acclimated with the app/software.
Getting Acclimated
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Product - EXPLODED VIEW
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The device enclosure consists of an Arduino Nano BLE Microntroller with an in-built gyroscrope that detects your body movement. Stryt is a wireless device that connects to your desktop using bluetootn.
Stryt's ergonomic design allows for simple clip-on connection and removal from garments thanks to a retractable clip. The electronic components are carefully encased in a plastic shell that may be accessed via a snap-fit cover.
Within the eight dashboard screens, the KPIs are designed to help manufacturers answer Key business questions and generate strategic insights
System Diagram for coding notifications
Glitch is a web browser that help's to connect p5.js and Arduino together on one single platform where the Arduino bluetooth connects with the computer and allows the visuals to interact with the external sensors
The visual feedbacks are coded on p5.js and imported on Glitch app to connect with the Arduino
The Arduino board is connected to a lithium battery and switch to make it a wireless device
The gyroscope and activation of bluetooth code is uploaded in the Arduino to detect the movement
Device Setup - Instruction Manual
Stryt comprises of a wearable device and a desktop application. The wearable device is connected via bluetooth, and can be enabled by following the simple steps listed below:
TURN ON
your device
CLIP
your device
TURN ON THE BLUETOOTH
CONNECT TO STYRT
RESET THE DEVICE
FEEDBACK
Visual selection
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Within the eight dashboard screens, the KPIs are designed to help manufacturers answer Key business questions and generate strategic insights
Wireframes
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Prototype
Participants tested the STRYT wearable device and praised its responsiveness and unobtrusiveness. They found it easy to integrate into their routines and appreciated the compact design and intuitive desktop app. The positive feedback highlighted the device's effectiveness in enhancing posture awareness.
EXHIBITION
Information Architecture
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Digital Future Graduate Exhibition, OCAD University, Toronto in April 2022
Key takeaways & learnings
Inspired by my pandemic experiences, the STRYT project tackles poor posture from prolonged sitting by integrating wearable technology with non-intrusive feedback to enhance posture awareness.
Throughout the STRYT project, I discovered the effectiveness of providing subtle, non-intrusive feedback to enhance posture awareness. The use of wearable technology and visual cues proved to be more user-friendly and less distracting than conventional haptic devices.
Implementing Research through Design and iterative approaches highlighted the importance of integrating form and function in wearable tech. This methodology demonstrated the value of non-intrusive visual feedback in training users’ visual memory.
User feedback emphasized the need for a streamlined feedback system, which will guide future refinements to better meet user needs and promote healthier habits. Designing for ease of integration into daily routines, with a compact device and intuitive desktop app, ensured a seamless and effective user experience.
Overall, the project underscored the significance of user-centered design and continuous improvement in creating solutions that address real user needs and enhance daily life.