The direct link between sleep and wellness is fueling the demand for gadgets designed to enhance the quality of relaxation. And although this area of human existence has not yet been fully explored by scientists, developers continue to generate ideas and create new devices. Today we can distinguish three main directions where the companies work:
- trackers;
- headsets, masks, bandages;
- external multifunctional devices.
The ways of using such devices differ significantly from each other. This, in turn, affects the shape, material, texture. the product itself. The closer to the body, the softer and more flexible. The closer to the bedside table, the more minimalistic and cozy it is. But this, of course, is better to consider with examples (which the masters of the KLONA industrial design studio will gladly share).
Trackers: from bracelets to glowing balls
A sleep tracker is a device that monitors a person’s sleep. It reads and analyzes various indicators, determines the phases of sleep and wakes up when the body is best prepared for this. In general, a useful thing for those who tend to wake up alarms and poorly calculate the time required for rest.
These gadgets fall into two categories: those that fit comfortably on the body and those that don’t need to be worn.
Wrist trackers
The society is already accustomed to the first option. Not so long ago died down boom in fitness bracelets and smartwatches … Novelties “all-in-one-miniature-device” have ceased to be an incomprehensible fashionable phenomenon and have firmly entered into everyday life. And since such bracelet watches exist, why not add a sleep analyzer to the activity tracker and other applications?
Jawbone UP3 Trackers
Considering that the owner, as a rule, is inseparable from such a device, it is important to observe key rules in the design of wearable devices … According to the new philosophy of relaxation, nothing should interfere, distract and overload attention with extraneous sensations. Therefore, when creating a wrist tracker, the following points are taken into account:
- The device should be as lightweight as possible – and it’s not only about weight, but also about performance. No unnecessary details, protruding elements, bulky and clinging fasteners. The bracelet should literally blend in with the hand.
- Flexibility is an important characteristic of a gadget … This is the question of materials. The strap should fit comfortably on the wrist, not pinch, but not slip. In addition, the skin under the bracelet needs to breathe. And, of course, the tracker should be pleasant and natural to the touch, so as not to remind of itself and not annoy at the most inopportune moment.
- Case design – this is especially important if multitasking tracker , and is used not only to determine the phase of sleep, but also to count steps, pulse and other indicators while awake. And since we are talking about 24/7 use, the device should not only be cute and useful, but also keep personal data safe. So the smart bracelet becomes an extension of the smartphone, giving up its own screen.
Sleep Activity Analyzer Nokia STEEL
“Stationary” trackers
As it turned out, not everyone is comfortable wearing their tracker on their wrist. This is how new devices appeared that are attached to the bed, sheet or placed on the nightstand next to the bed. The accuracy of such devices depends on “proximity to the body,” and the design depends on the method of application.
If the gadget is installed next to the bed, then, of course, there remains a huge space for design experiments. … Then you can use both futuristic shapes, like glowing balls, and more classic ones, reminiscent of small columns.
SleepScore Labs Max Tracker
When it comes to more flexible bed-mounted products, the devices are more like belts (stretched under the sheet) or laconic matchboxes (placed on the headboard).
Sleepace Reston Tracker
Here it is important that the gadget does not interfere and does not create unnecessary reliefs … This is especially true for “bed” adaptations. Design development becomes a question not only of visual appeal, but primarily of functionality and convenience. The CLONE industrial design studio team knows how to make beautiful things comfortable.
We fence ourselves off from external stimuli: masks, bandages, headsets
Sometimes, even when you really want to sleep, external stimuli – light, sound, temperature – become the main obstacles. For this, all kinds of masks and bandages are being developed.
IWinks Aurora Headband
Often device developers collect several items in one, and this is how helmets are obtained that simultaneously serve as masks and headphones, and help to keep warm … What is the profit? The light does not hit the eyes, and extraneous sounds are replaced by white noise or other accompaniment designed for relaxation. Scientists have shown that certain sound waves help the brain relax, which can help you fall asleep faster.
When it comes to design, it is important to consider the following nuances:
- everything that is attached to the head should be light;
- it is important that the mask or bandage tightly wraps around the head, repeating the contours, but at the same time do not press;
- It is recommended to create such devices from soft materials that are pleasant to the touch.
Even if you are offering a simple bandage tape, it should be designed so as not to create unnecessary pressure, but rather not to feel at all … What can we say about helmets, which are bulky enough to be considered practically a “slip-on pillow”.
Philips SmartSleep
External devices: singing pillows, smart blankets and electronic aroma lamps
In addition to sleep monitoring devices, devices are gaining popularity to improve the quality of sleep and the speed of falling asleep … And this segment of “useful goods” is literally to the eyeballs filled with interesting inventions: the flight of imagination of developers is not limited by anything. On the market there are both uniquely practical items, and more highly specialized, “for an amateur”.
Among these devices are heated blankets, the temperature of which can be adjusted independently or programmed. By choosing the optimal heating, it is much easier to relax before bed.
You can experiment with the design of electric underwear (blankets, sheets, mattresses) – choose any color, shape, density. Recently, products made from soft, fluffy fabrics, such as plush, have become popular. Remotes are usually small, with a minimum of additional elements. The wires are embedded in the seams so that the sleeper does not get entangled in them.
Special attention should be paid to pillows. In addition to the fact that it is necessary to choose the correct shape for them (orthopedic pillows do not lose their popularity), now you can embed inside:
- columns;
- backlight;
- vibrating massagers;
- sensors that read indicators of a person’s activity during sleep.
It is not known how much this actually helps sleep, but hit sales were pillows that vibrate and purr like cats … Scientists say this sound calms the nervous system.
However, you don’t have to take a gadget with you to bed (or make a bed of gadgets). Some devices look great on the nightstand, combining several functions , for example: a lamp, an audio speaker, an aroma lamp and an alarm clock.
Nox Aroma Smart Sleep Light by Sleepace
Here, the developers are not limited either in form or in content. Some prefer high-tech cases, others try to use natural materials, creating a “cozy” design with minimalistic interface …
Sleep gadgets: design like a business card
Considering that various sleep aids have become commonplace, there are quite a few companies in this specific market. Not only a new feature, but also a well-designed design will help you stand out from the competition. When it comes to comfort, consumers are highly subjective and emotional. The correct presentation of form, texture, color helps to play on this emotion.
The professionals of the industrial design studio KLONA are able to work wonders, creating ultra-modern, unusual and memorable forms. This is exactly what you need to get off to a good start: offer what you want to touch, try and leave in the bedroom. Contact and we will design the best solution for the best gadget. Yours, of course.
