A two component alarm clock system to promote productive and timely mornings.
The goal of this project was to design for a problem that a
fellow industrial design student may be experiencing. We identified this problem by utilizing research methods. Some of the research methods used included: an interview, diary study, and SWOT analysis. We also used a persona, empathy map, and journey map to further understand and build empathy with the user.
During this process we learned that getting up, out of bed, and out the door in a timely fashion was a common problem this student was facing. Turns out - this is a very common experience for many students.
Above is a highlight of some of the market research conducted. Although these alarm clocks are a popular choice and may work well at waking the user up, we saw an opening in the market for an alarm clock system that would get the user up and moving.
To do this we ideated a two component alarm system. There would be two alarm clocks. One alarm would be placed in the user's room and would go off - waking up the user. Once the user shuts off the initial alarm, they would have a few minutes to lay in bed or get up before the second alarm placed at their first morning task would go off. The goal of this is to get the user up and moving and at their first morning task.
This design also has an app component used to program alarms, light settings, and offer other features for the user. This project was done in collaboration with another studio member, Mya Patterson. Although both physical and app portions of this project were worked on together, to split up the workload, I focused on the physical aspect and Mya focused on the app.
Above is a highlight on why productive and timely mornings are important. (Aside from being on time to places.)
Below are my partner's sketches.
After getting user feedback, we narrowed down our sketches. Our user really liked the idea of natural colors, materials, and organic shapes.
From our feedback, we decided to go with a mushroom shaped alarm clock that had a wooden base and soft white top. The soft white top and natural wood allowed for this alarm to match and fit in with any space. Further more, the soft white top of the alarm would allow for light to shine through and create a warm glow.
Above are the renderings of our final design. The left two pictures show the main component and highlight the lighting aspect of this alarm clock. It can be used as a lamp as well as a sunrise/sunset lamp, helping to indicate to our bodies when it is time to wake up or go to sleep. The picture on the right shows the second component sitting on a bathroom counter, a common location for someone's first morning task.
This project was done in collaboration with Mya Patterson. She can be contacted via email at myaep@iastate.edu
