Florine Sreeram
Home        About

Blink

A smart wearable assistant for every day
Role  - Industrial Design Engineer
Responsibilities - Advanced Concept Design


Blink

Blink is the result of the Masters course Advanced Concept Design at Delft University of Technology.

Blink is a smart wearable assistant powered by AI to help people with early-stage dementia with their daily tasks. By empowering them to keep living their daily life, the emotional and cognitive effects of dementia can be alleviated.


Research

The direction for Blink was designed with the Vision in Product method, where the product statement was:

“Guiding people with early-stage dementia through their daily tasks to inspire confidence and help them focus on what matters most.”

The design direction was distilled through a combination of literature reviews and consultations with dementia care specialists. Central to my approach is the use of sensory stimulation, incorporating auditory and haptic cues. By having a sensory output, the product provides clearer feedback and a more intuitive user interaction. Interaction points in designing for dementia must be distinct, using high-contrast colors and familiar physical mechanisms like buttons and sliders to guide the user.



User-Product Interaction







CMF and Sketching

I wanted Blink to be something that the user would like to wear, similarly to a pair of good-looking headphones, not looking like a medical device. The CMF moodboard was made based on the research in product design for people with dementia.

Keywords for the overall form of the design were:

Everyday
Sophisticated
Friendly

I chose a rounded, circular shape so the device blends naturally into the home, avoiding a medical or too techy look of sharp, rectangular gadgets. By hiding the technology, the design feels approachable rather than intimidating. The smooth, curved surface is designed to be touched, naturally leading the user’s hand toward the main button in the center.


Visual Prototype

The simplified 3D-printed prototype was made to illustrate the way Blink can be worn as well as to finetune the physical shape. With the physical prototype I could brainstorm on interaction modes for Blink, which sensory stimulations it could give to the user.


Technology


 Blink uses haptic feedback to communicate gently and intuitively, without adding cognitive load or drawing unwanted attention in social situations. 
Blink relies on three distinct vibration patterns, each tied to a specific interaction:
  • Recording confirmation: A single short pulse when the user taps the button, confirming that Blink is listening and capturing the conversation
  • Upcoming appointment: A gentle double-tap pattern alerting the user that a scheduled event is approaching, giving them time to prepare without startling them
  • Proactive notification: A soft, rhythmic pulse when Blink has relevant information to share, such as a reminder or context about something just mentioned in conversation
Haptic feedback respects the independence of the user, notifiying them in a discreet way. This gives the user the choice when and how to check the notification. This is important for people with early-stage dementia as they remain in control over their actions.


Renders