Pulse: A Biometric Data Visualizer
Data Visualization, Physical Computing, Wearable
Wearable Pulse Visualizer
Pulse
Pulse is a prototype of a wearable tracker that monitors and visualizes heart rates in real time.
Project Date: September, 2015
Categories: Product Design
Wearable + Data Visualization
Role: UX Design, Prototyping, Programming
Tools: Arduino(C++) + Processing(Java) + Sketch
Design Concept
Biometric data visualization can be more visually dynamic, empathetic beyond numbers and graphs to interact with user.
Pulse is designed to help you measure your pulse (heart rate) using your Apple Watch, achieve equilibrium between mind and body by training attention to be in the moment and your body's life energy. It's not just about productivity and awareness, but about mindfulness. Pulse's interactive symbol represents a fundamental connection between nature and human beings.
Visual Research for designing the tree visualization
I researched the psychological theory "biophilia" which means "love of life or living systems. Pulse's tree symbol represents the concept of "biophilia", our innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. I intended to create an emotional design that guide users into meditative, mindful moments connecting to the symbol of nature, while measuring their heart beats.
UX Design: iOS
The user interface and interaction are designed for Apple Watch iOS. Pulse is built as Apple watch app based on iOS design guidelines. Users can collect their animated heartbeat visualization by saving it to the in-app gallery and share each visual to friends with a message.
Physical + Digital Prototyping with Pulse Sensor
I built this prototype with a pulse sensor, Processing visualization, Arduino programming. To test out Pulse's interaction with users which aims to be glanceable, actionable, responsive, I built a physical prototype of a wearable wrist equipped with Arduino Pulse Sensor which connects to Processing interactive visualization. The symbol constantly grows up and down, reacting to the wearer's pulse rate.
