Many people experience sensory overload in everyday environments, such as classrooms, workplaces, and crowded public spaces. Most only react after stress builds, leaving them to cope with headphones, breaks, or leaving the space. We wanted to explore how technology could help users anticipate overwhelm before it happens.
Interra combines biometric signals from a smartwatch with environmental cues like noise, crowd density, and lighting to detect early signs of sensory overload. It provides subtle notifications and insights to help users regulate stress, maintain focus, and understand their internal and external environment.
We started with survey research and affinity mapping to understand user environments, coping strategies, and privacy concerns. Personas were developed, followed by low-fidelity wireframes and prototypes for onboarding, device connection, and alert systems. Usability testing refined the flow, emphasizing clarity, subtle notifications, and user control.
- Users were unclear about how biometric and environmental data was collected in early prototypes.
- Balancing useful alerts with minimal interruptions was tricky.
- Ensuring privacy and trust while using sensitive biometric data required careful design decisions.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
- Developed a prototype that anticipates sensory overload instead of reacting to it.
- Created a clear onboarding flow with privacy transparency and smartwatch integration.
- Designed subtle, low-interruption alerts that respect users’ sensory and cognitive load.
What we learned
- Proactive insights are more valuable than reactive solutions.
- Users prioritize privacy, trust, and control in wellness and sensor-based apps.
- Simple interfaces and subtle signals are more effective than complex or intrusive designs.
What's next for Interra: Find Calm In Your Natural Rhythm
Validate biometric and environmental signal accuracy for predicting overload.
- Test long-term real-world use and alert effectiveness.
- Explore customizable sensitivity settings and enhanced privacy controls.
- Expand accessibility features for diverse sensory and cognitive needs.
Built With
- applewatches
- claude
- figjam
- figma
- figmamake
- fitbits
- googleforms
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