In an era where mental health awareness is paramount, MoodSense emerges as an innovative solution developed by a student from Drexel University’s User Experience and Interaction Design (UXID) program. This Apple Watch interface, paired with smart ring technology, aims to accurately detect users’ moods and provide personalized activities for self-improvement.
The Challenge: Beyond Novelty Mood Rings
Traditional mood rings, while popular, are merely novelty items that change color based on body heat. MoodSense addresses this limitation by leveraging advanced smart ring technology to provide accurate mood detection based on comprehensive health data.
Innovative Technology
MoodSense utilizes PPG (Photoplethysmography) technology in smart rings to collect various health metrics from the skin’s surface, including:
- Sleep patterns
- Body temperature
- Heart rate
- Activity levels
- Blood oxygen
- Stress levels
Design Process and Features
The development of MoodSense followed a comprehensive process:
- Competitor Research: Identified gaps in existing smart ring applications.
- Wireframing: Created low-fidelity prototypes to plan screens and navigation.
- Design Inspiration: Drew from Apple Watch design standards and mood ring aesthetics.
- Style Guide: Developed a cohesive visual language for the app.
- Final Design: Refined the interface based on critical user paths.
Key Features
MoodSense offers unique functionalities:
- Accurate mood identification based on health data
- Personalized activity suggestions for mood improvement
- Social features to send encouragement to friends
- Color and shape associations for different moods
User Experience
The final prototype, created using Figma, offers an interactive experience showcasing the app’s core functionalities. Users can explore mood detection, receive personalized activities, and engage with friends, all through an intuitive Apple Watch interface.
MoodSense represents a significant step forward in mood tracking and mental health support. By combining cutting-edge smart ring technology with a user-friendly Apple Watch interface, it offers users a powerful tool to understand and improve their emotional well-being.