Umi
Redesign the Connection between Intimacy
JAN - JUN 2022
UX/UI
Product Design
Umi is a system that creates tight communication within intimate relationships. Through tangible and efficient communication, it provides users with a feeling of being accompanied and helps relieve loneliness.
In a world dominated by digital interactions, the paradox of connection and isolation coexists.
While young individuals are extensively plugged into sprawling social media networks, they grapple with an acute sense of loneliness. The sheer number of online 'connections' masks a deficiency in deep, substantive interactions. Even with its myriad tools, the digital realm falls short in mirroring the warmth of genuine, tactile experiences. This underscores the need for more intimate communication pathways.
In the realm of touch and tangible sight,
every gesture speaks,
every movement a light.
How might we blend the digital and tactile to enrich human connections in an increasingly virtual world?
Umi
The new way of staying in Touch
Reshaping communication, Umi offers interactions beyond the screen to foster deeper intimacy.
Be together, anytime, anywhere.
Umi System
The Umi ecosystem, a blend of physical products—the Pebble and the Nest—and intuitive digital applications for mobile and Apple Watch devices, brings an immersive, tactile dimension to virtual communication.
Pebble
The users can touch, feel, and even rub it, physically embodying the bond they share with a friend or loved one.
Nest
A home base for the Pebble. The users can put the Nest on phone to listen to voice message.
Umi App
Digital nerve center. Allowing users to manage their friend circle, view statuses, send voice messages, and even transmit virtual hugs.
Design Criteria
Intuitive
Umi should be user-friendly, ensuring that individuals of varying tech proficiencies can easily navigate and use the product.
Tactile
Emphasizing the physical touch and feel, Umi should offer a tangible connection that resonates deeply with users.
Emotive
Every aspect of Umi should evoke emotions, enhancing the depth of connections and interactions.
Personalized
Umi should be customizable and adaptable, reflecting the individuality of each user and their unique relationships.
Seamless
Umi's design should ensure smooth transitions between its digital and physical interactions, creating a continuous experience.
01
Hug at a Touch: A gentle rub sends virtual embraces
Physical interaction is abstract but straight forward.
Double press the Pebble and give it a gentle rub to send an affectionate virtual embrace.
The receiver feels the warmth through a vibration on their smart Watch.
02
Distant Handhold: Bridging distances with a touch
Through the Umi app on the watch, a long screen press bridges distances, making it feel as if you're holding hands. The receiver's Pebble vibrates, echoing this sentiment.
03
VoiceDrop: Effortless Audio Touch with Umi Pebble
With a simple long press at the center, watch pebble's indicator light up, signaling its readiness to capture your words. Release to instantly send, making every message not just heard but felt.
04
SpeakWave: Quick Voice Messages from Your Wrist
A simple long press lets you record your thoughts on-the-go. Speak your message, then release to send, making wrist-worn communication effortlessly intuitive.
05
Lifted Spirits: Silent Support from Afar
Umi deliver message in a gentle and silence way. Any incoming message makes the Umi Pebble rise from its Nest, a gentle reminder that someone's thinking of you, offering silent support.
06
Voice Cafe: Savor Distant Chats
Place Umi set on phone and let voice messages flow. NFC of each Umi Nest will be detected by phone and automatically play voice message. Just like sharing morning conversations over coffee, even miles apart.
07
Colorful Emotions: Express Yourself with Umi's Hue Moods
Using Umi watch app, select a hue that mirrors your current feelings, offering a subtle yet powerful way to convey your mood to friends. Whether it's the tranquility of blue for calmness or a passionate red for excitement, let colors be the bridge to share your emotions, making every interaction on Umi more personal and meaningful.
08
Pillow Talk: Accompany to End a Day
Representing as a personal avatar, Umi Nest is always by your side after one day’s life. Its calming, rhythmic light pulsates, whisking away stress and offering a serene end to your day.
09
Customizable for Each Unique Relationship
