User Research
We performed bottom-up research through user surveys and user interview from dozens of people to determine what information our potential users want to know right before they leave the house. In addition, we wanted to understand their last-minute routine by identifying what objects are most important to them. The results show that people, typically young college students, are most interested in knowing about the weather and remembering their keys.
Designing for the Last Second
Initially, our team wanted to design a smart mirror, however, after performing market analysis, we could not recognize a meaningful way for incorporating a smart mirror into the home that did not already exist on the market. Designing for the home required understanding the psychological intentions behind interior design, specifically the way that shapes, colors, and noise play into creating balance.
To promote collaboration, I designed the following framework to organize inspirational products, research insights, ideas and design decisions. As a team, we utilized inspirations from nature, ubiquitous technology and interactive design to design an object that blends beauty and function while creating a good user experience. We considered human factors and elements of interior design. As a result, we designed intentionally without screens, microphones, and speakers to lower cognitive load during a very stressful point in the day. Our goal was to design an ecosystem of smart home products that form a seamless, and meaningful relationship between our users and technology.
I was the lead Product Designer on this team. The final dimensions and layout of the product are based on design considerations that balanced manufacturability, assembly, and aesthetics. I used computer-aided design software to design each component and created technical documentation to communicate how each piece was meant to be manufactured and assembled.
Product Design & Development
Rough sketch of all the hardware and design decisions. Balance of technology, human factors, and minimizing Manufactuing costs.
Finding Form
Multiple forms of the idea were created before building the final prototype. A vertical display was considered for the advantage of a familiar form to a mirror stand. The horizontal displays were chosen for their ideal space for placing common objects, but the rigid corners and box appearance was too similar to other objects in the home interior. The mountainous curves were most ideal for its connection to nature and distinctive form factor. In order for the product to work best, the product must be beautiful to encourage its use. We continued to iterate on the mountain form were until reaching a final decision that balance beauty and function.
Build & Test
Prototypes were built in multiple phases. The first was a cardboard prototype used to test the Arduino-controlled LED lights to find the size that created a diffsued appearance of the LED lights and shape that was spacious enough for keys, wallets, or even water bottles.
The second phase involved a 1:4 model to practice making each angle cut with the Miter and Table saw through a series of jigs. Also, tested the strength of the assembly with wood glue and wooden dowels.
The third phase was the full-scale MVP that was used for demonstration purposes and the exhibit. The Arduino hardware hide in the back of the mirror. The LED screen (not shown) splits the mirror in half to cover the hardware. The final depth of the shelf was determined by the maximum distance needed to create a visually appealing diffused affect and minimum distance that allowed space for the Arduino board. Not Mirror uses capacitive sensing so the users can notify the shelf to turn on and off.
Final Pictures
Feedback
This project is ongoing and continues to take in additional comments and feedback. Feel free to explore our product website, follow us on social media, and join the waitlist.
3D modeling and design by Carlissa Arrow
