Unu
BRANDING / ICONOGRAPHY / RESEARCH / PRODUCT DESIGN / APP DESIGN
Unu is a a chair that focuses solely on what makes each user different, and creating a unique experience tailored specifically to them. Project developed for the Interaction Design II course at The University of Texas at Austin in collaboration with Brittney Phan and Walker Sosa.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Today’s chairs often focus on being the perfect medium for all, attempting to find a balance, running with a one size fits all model. When in reality, that just ignores what makes each individual consumer different. This ignorance can lead to pain, soreness, and even more detrimental long term effects.
In order to create a chair that considers the differences between each user as opportunities instead of obstacles, my group and I observed the different seating positions among individuals and read researches on pressure, recline, and ergonomics by Herman Miller and Knoll
sketches by Brittney Phan
SOLUTION - UNU
Unu is a smart chair that adapts, and becomes the perfect choice for any person, any body, and any lifestyle. Adaptation to the users' needs happens instantaneously without the need of manual customization when the user takes a seat.
Through the pressure sensors located throughout the chair, Unu recognizes the user's objective once he or she takes a seat. Undulating rods located on the back support of the chair allows its ergonomics to adapt to the user.
BRAND IDENTITY
Unu's brand voice is a balance between the chair's humanistic and technological aspects.
The logo and iconography are inspired by the undulating rods that are behind the adaptable ergonomics of Unu.
PERSONAS
We created three personas that represent future Unu users. Each persona has a different background and need, they informed us about how the mobile application and should adapt to each user.
COLLECTING INFORMATION - APP
The Unu mobile application connects with the chair through bluetooth similar to smart watches and scales. During the onboarding the user provides crucial information on his or her needs.
By customizing the chair settings through the app while seating on it, Unu learns more about each of its users, reducing the need for app interaction with each use.
