The Stressed Alarm Clock,' an experimental take on the typical human-alarm clock interaction, emphasizing the emotional and behavioral triggers it provokes. Alarm clocks are inherently tied to sensations of urgency, stress, and anxiety—forcing users to perform exaggerated, often forceful actions like slamming a button to silence them. By focusing on the physical and emotional feedback mechanisms, this project explores how design can intentionally amplify or disrupt such interactions, pushing the boundaries of everyday user experience through technology.
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Project Information
Role
Arduino prototyping, physical mock up
Team
Xingyu Liu
But what if, instead of aggressive actions, we could calm an alarm clock down with a gentle hug?
This project rethinks the interaction by shifting from forceful inputs to comforting gestures. By integrating tactile feedback and soft interaction design, it explores how technology can transform stressful, mechanical moments into soothing experiences, fundamentally changing how we approach everyday tasks. This prototype challenges the conventional form and function of an alarm clock, using technology to invite a more human-centered, calming interaction.
How does it work?
This alarm clock utilizes an Adafruit board programmed to detect touch sensitivity. Designed to respond to physical contact, the clock's alarm deactivates gradually when it is hugged by the user. This interaction mimics the calming effect of a human embrace, providing a gentle transition from sleep to wakefulness. The use of touch-sensitive technology in this context explores new dimensions of user-device interaction, emphasizing comfort and tranquility in daily routines.
The Stressed Alarm Clock