A relaxation device that engages the senses through visual and auditory stimulation.
Ripple is a bilateral stimulation device that relaxes the mind and eases anxiety.
The subtle left to right movement of ripples surface in combination with audio therapy works to decrease worry, and phycological arousal while increasing attentional flexibility. Allowing for thoughts to become less stuck, and for problems to seem smaller and further away.
Movement
The natural role of ripples surface was the inspiration for both its form and its function. This captivating movement is what situates the product in that interesting space between natural and artificial, bringing a more approachable and friendly skin to tech.
The form of ripple was created to accentuate and display the bilateral movement of the surface, optimizing its sensory effects. The curvature of the form is designed to invite interaction and observation, working in conjunction with audio therapy to create a calming experience for multiple senses.
Refreshing the Process
With Ripple, the journey from the initial concept to final product was approached in a different way. I began working directly with the material and making many iterations of models. Focusing on evolving the form and sparking an idea that would set the course for the project.
Exploring Surface Movement
Once I had a clear direction for the form, I was able to integrate the purpose of the product into the process. This is when I began to sketch out different variations that would highlight the bilateral movement of the surface, while playing with location and scale. I wanted to create an inviting form, that would work with the movement to be both intriguing and relaxing.
Creating an Experience
There are fifteen individual pieces that move in harmony to make up Ripple’s surface. The soft white finish accentuates light and shadows as they dance across the surface, each piece raising and then lowering back into place from left to right. The end result is an approach to stress and anxiety management that creates a tangible experience for the user, in a really simple yet effective way.