The Next Big Thing
Solution to the Snoring roomate problem
Approximately half of the population experiences snoring, with some individuals dealing with this issue regularly while others encounter it occasionally. Personally, I've found this challenge intriguing, having faced it myself more than I can count. I ended up with the question: How might we help people to rest during the night in the noisy room?
Problem:
Story board for the problem
My primary digital solution takes a unique approach unrelated to sound, which might seem unconventional at first. This idea aims to enable individuals to fall asleep peacefully even when someone nearby is snoring. After I did some reasearch on how people coping with snoring and other lound noise in the room, I discovered a common challenge faced by many. Numerous simple solutions exist, such as headphones and foam earplugs. was wondering how can I find something interesting, something unique til i found one advice that you should focus your mind to something else than the noise.Easier said than done, but it sparked my curiosity about how I could turn this concept into a practical solution.
My solution isn't just for those dealing with a snoring partner or noisy neighbors; it's also beneficial for individuals, both children and adults, who struggle to fall asleep easily, suffer from insomnia, wake up stressed in the middle of the night, or have bad dreams. Additionally, it can be beneficial to those who find it hard to go to bed without their phones, scrolling through social media before sleep.
Story board for solution:
Two types of brainstorming: Adapt and Combine
Adapt - comparing what already exist, how people deal with the problem, what works and what does not.
Combine - using random word generator get a word and combine with the HMW question.
After brainstorming I filtered all the ideas and ended up with 3 most interesting ones.
Idea #3 Invisible wall
A futuristic step resembling a doorstep, discreetly placed on the floor between two separate beds. This step seamlessly connects to a smartphone app via Bluetooth. With the app, users can activate or deactivate an innovative feature – an invisible wall. This wall isn't truly invisible; rather, it acts like a glass partition that can be toggled to either transparent or matte. The matte setting enhances privacy. The purpose of this "invisible wall" is to function as a sound barrier, blocking disruptive noise and enabling individuals to enjoy a peaceful night's sleep without disturbances from the other side of the room. This groundbreaking solution is particularly well-suited for shared spaces such as dorms and hostels, providing an effective way to address the challenge of unwanted noise.
Idea #2 Noise translator
Speaker-type device that can be strategically placed anywhere in a room. This innovative gadget is designed to capture and neutralize ambient noise, replacing it with soothing sounds like white noise or pink noise known for enhancing sleep quality and inducing relaxation. Users experience a tranquil environment, shielded from disruptive noises, while immersing themselves in calming and peaceful audio. This device can be valuable for individuals working in noisy homes or offices, creating a focused and productive work environment. Additionally, it caters to meditation practices, promoting a serene atmosphere conducive to mindfulness and mental well-being.
Idea #1 Mind games
Nano paint designed for ceilings or walls, transforming them into dynamic projectors. This innovative solution enables users to shift their focus away from disruptive sounds. By applying the paint, individuals can immerse themselves in a personalized visual experience. To activate this feature, users wear comfortable brain sensors that scan brain activity and project visuals onto the painted surface. Users can engage in relaxing activities, explore creative visuals, or even play mind-controlled mini games. For instance, envision counting sheep where each sheep is controlled with the power of the mind. The device is seamlessly integrated into the sleeping experience, ensuring comfort and convenience. Importantly, it intuitively turns off when the user enters a deep sleep, promoting a peaceful and undisturbed night's rest. This multifunctional solution adds a new dimension to the concept of creating a serene sleep environment.
The Pitch:
This assignment gave me an opportunity to think outside the box. At first, it was scary, and I didn't trust my capabilities to do so. However, once I began to brainstorm, I realized that I really can think outside the box – maybe not far away from it, but practice will help me get better at this in the future. Also, it was very difficult to think of other ideas when I already had one in mind, and every time I tried to think about something else, I ended up with the same idea. Overall, I enjoyed brainstorming and making sketches for the products; they started to look real.
