Break Buddy
INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM AREA
Our group identified a shared challenge affecting everyone, including ourselves, in the areas of lifestyle, leisure, and entertainment. Technology has driven a major transformation in how we live and interact daily, altering our routines and relationships. Despite all the positive impacts technology has had on our society, effective methods and tools for maintaining a balanced lifestyle need to be improved. Addressing this gap is essential, as it directly impacts the overall well-being and quality of life for most individuals.
Strengths
Technology: it has brought entertainment and leisure activities to our fingertips
Online communities: the internet facilitates communities where people with similar interests can connect, improving isolation
Self-help resources: books, websites and apps available to improve individual lifestyles
Current Solutions
Weaknesses
Screen Time: technologies influence on this problem area means increased screen time which contributes to health problems and exacerbates social isolation
Work Culture: A prevailing work culture that promotes overworking
Quality vs Quantity: Numerous entertainment options, but the quality of these experiences, can be poor and lead to fatigue e.g. Fake News
Problem Statement
The pervasive integration of technology has led to a challenge wherein individuals grapple with the detrimental effects of constant digital engagement and information overload. This results in disconnection from the physical environment, diminished productivity, heightened anxiety, and an inability to effectively disengage. As a response, there is a compelling need to develop strategies that foster mindful and balanced digital interactions, thereby enabling individuals to reclaim restorative downtime and mitigate the overwhelming impact of information overstimulation
Methods: Focus Group, Diary Study, Interviews
Insights:
Technology has advanced, but tools for sustainable living are insufficient, leading to information overload and a lack of boundaries.
The constant availability of others' achievements creates pressure to always be 'on' and progressing.
Participants check their phones about 80 times a day, primarily for communication, social media, and work-related tasks.
Many participants feel overwhelmed by constant notifications and the pressure to stay connected.
The average daily screen time is 5 hours, with feelings of information overload and FOMO reported by many.
Primary Research - Summary
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Target Group
Professionals from various industries working remotely or in hybrid roles.
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Environment
Workspaces including home offices or shared spaces, often blending personal and professional boundaries.
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Technology Use
Heavy reliance on digital devices for work and communication, increasing screen time and risk of digital fatigue.
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Work Patterns
Irregular hours often extend beyond the traditional 9-to-5, complicating daily structure.
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Social Dynamics
Limited physical interaction with colleagues leads to isolation and increased dependence on digital communication.
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Target Challenges
Include blurred boundaries between home and work life, excessive screen time driven by constant connectivity, and heightened stress from compulsive digital habits, all of which disrupt focus and hinder self-care.
Design Solution
The design is centered on an intuitive task management application that serves the dual purpose of streamlining digital workflow between employers and employees while incorporating features that encourage balanced and mindful use of technology. This application not only aims to boost productivity and efficiency but also prioritizes the well-being of its users by incorporating strategic downtime and mindfulness practices.
Group Contribution
The design solution involves three key aspects: a desktop app for the employer to administer, a desktop plugin/app for the employees, and an iPhone application to enhance the overall user experience. As this was a group project.
My key focus for this assignment was the employee desktop user interface. I built, researched and prototyped it. This was the largest aspect of our design solution so required many iterations, and their were a larger number of mockup windows to prototype and build. I also contributed to 1/3 of the group, shared work like summarising and elaborating on our group research and synthesis for heuristic evaluations.
Iterative Design Process
Sketches
Wireframe
Cognitive Walkthrough
SUS
Annotation of scripts
Top-Down Diagram
Data Insights Table
Second Wireframe iteration
Think Around/ Cognitive Walkthrough
SUS
Annotation of scripts
Top-Down Diagram
Data Insights Table
Mockup
Second Wireframe Iteration
Download Plugin
Company/Sign in
Access Menu - (through downloaded plugin)
Chose Mode
Start Your Work Day / Take a Break
Break
View the Leaderboard - (incentive to stay on track with your breaks)
View Work Schedule - (Suggest when you should take your breaks)
End Work Day
Employee desktop UX/UI Mockup
iPhone app prototype
Main Features:
Home page with tasks assigned to you to track and share your progress and workload
Leaderboard for employees to track progress aligned with taking breaks and sustaining a healthy work-life balance
Community gallery and profile, for people share what they get up to on their work breaks. Break toxic work cultures and establish a community for online and remote employees.
Designed by Zelda Wu