BAsis
Red Dot Award Winner

Objective

Solve a problem in the world with design to disruptively improve human life using the most innovative, useful, and meaningful technologies.

My Role

I was in charge of the information architecture used for the TV console’s final UI, and worked as the lead primary researcher through interview conduction and data synthesization.

Description

Lack of in-person social interactions with family members, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, can cause communications to deteriorate, leading family members to feel disconnected from one another. We set out to design a platform that will strengthen the bond between family members by creating purposeful communication, encouraging sentimental memories, and emulating physical closeness.

Basis is an ecosystem that connects long-distance families to strengthen their structure and dynamic, by encouraging regular and healthy communication. By focusing on creating openness, empathy, and togetherness we aim to enhance family bonds. We designed an ecosystem that consisted of a TV platform, mobile application, and two additional products. These products are called the “link” and “base”.

The link is a flat round rectangle where users can place their phone to activate the TV system and tell other family members that they are available to talk. The link also acts as a charging station which helps encourage users to put their phones down and enjoy quality time with your family. The base is a circle-shaped console that connects to your TV through HDMI. This product contains two skeletal tracking cameras which will be used to read users gestures. There are colored dots on the base which shows users who is currently online and available to talk. These two products work together to help encourage healthy family communication.

COVID-19 hit halfway through the completion of this project, and it made us see from a different perspective just how much keeping in touch with loved ones matter to the world right now. Isolation has become a well-known feeling, and now more than ever people are using digital tools to stay in contact.

We decided to approach the second half of our project thinking about how we can give what people need amidst this crisis, and sought to find the most effective way to help people talk, laugh, and share memories together once again, despite the distance.

Key Features

• Interactive video chats (watch movies together, play games)

• Recipe & tip sharing

• Easy life updates

• AI-assisted scheduled calls

• One-on-one data and goal creation to encourage more quality time with each family member

PRototypes

Final Renders