Break Buddy
A hybrid technological solution designed to encourage active breaks and manage noise levels in open-space work environments
2
User Interaction | Concepting |
Product Design | Motion Design
Break Buddy
"Break Buddy" is a concept designed to address common challenges in open-space environments by encouraging regular, active breaks away from desks. It not only improves the emotional well-being and energy levels of workers but also helps manage overall noise in shared spaces. Initially tested in a study environment, "Break Buddy" is equally suited for office settings.
Scope
The concept required research in ICT, Product, and Digital Design. It was designed to encourage users to care for a small robotic device with its own "needs" throughout the day. By helping the "Buddy," users could also take active breaks (breaks away from the desk).
This page outlines the design process in both Digital and Product Design, detailing the steps taken to bring life-like qualities to the robotic device.
Robot Components
Face
Animated face features adding personality to a functional timer
Body
A cast designed to look appealing and contain the electronic components
Research-Based Approach
"Break Buddy" is a comprehensive concept built on a research-driven process, with every decision - whether in programming or design - guided by research, testing, and user interactions. For this project, I utilized the DOT ICT Research methodology, a framework that integrates various methods to drive innovation based on research data. You can learn more about these methods here:
DOT ICT Research Methods.
Face Process Breakdown
Face Screens
During interaction
Face Screens
During Interaction
#3 Sketching
#1 Competitor Research
#2 Robotic Emotion Research
#4 Animation Prototyping:
First Itteration
Working Timer
Features:
Continuous eye movement for a lively, interactive feel
Working time picker with a futuristic UI menu style
Message displayer for countdowns and important
notifications from the Buddy
Break Announcement
Features:
Messaging to suggest it is time for a break
Background animations to convey excitement about taking a rest
Footstep animation to indicate movement, with the Buddy only able to recharge at a designated charging station in the rest area
Charging
Features:
Animation displaying the buddy is being charged
Cast Versions
Cast Versions
Version 01
LEGO Prototype
Version 02.02
Cardboard Finished Product
Version 02.01
Cardboard Basic Setup
Version 03
3D Printed Prototype (based on the input from the Prototypes in V02)
Product Usage
Product Usage
Since I handled every aspect of this project, from design to development, feel free to reach out if you're curious about the process, flow, or specific use cases. You can also check out the full documentation at the link below.
Testimonial
Testimonial
"Today I attended a brilliant graduate assessment by Roberta Netzova at Fontys ICT. The presentation started with an excellent story to frame the problem, described the journey of investigating and approaches and ended with a well-formatted and well-argued complete concept. 💎
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I was very impressed with the professionalism, presenting, concept and prototype. 👏👏👏" ~ LinkedIn Post, Joran Quinten, 2023