Mesmerize

Three questions to the project team

What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
A key UX challenge in Mesmerize was creating a gentle notification system that captured users' attention without distraction. Notifications needed to remind users about breathing sessions while maintaining a calming atmosphere. User testing revealed that combining gentle sound and movement struck the ideal balance.

Furthermore, using light patterns to guide the breathing experience presented additional difficulties, as users struggled to discern when to inhale or exhale. To address this, auditory cues were introduced: sharper tones for inhalation and deeper tones for exhalation. This double guidance helped users perform exercises correctly. These steps show the importance of user feedback in creating an intuitive experience.

What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
The biggest UX highlights regarded mainly usability and emotional engagement. Splitting the prototype into two devices—one for notifications and another for breathing exercises—introduced a final solution towards complexity in communicating their purpose and ensuring a smooth interaction. Achieving the right balance of sensory guidance through sound, light, and motion was also definitely tough.

Ergonomics were another topic rising several issues, particularly when adjusting components’ positions for comfortable use. Furthermore, differentiating paired and single modes through subtle cues added another layer of design complexity. Iterative testing was crucial to resolve these challenges and refine the device for intuitive stress management.

Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
In five years, we envision Mesmerize becoming a key element of home wellness routines. As mental health awareness grows, Mesmerize will be embraced by individuals seeking to manage daily stress and improve their overall well-being. The device will be seamlessly integrated into the home environment, offering customizable breathing exercises and a soothing interaction with soap bubbles, creating a peaceful sanctuary in the home. Additionally, Mesmerize will expand into retail, with its presence in wellness and lifestyle stores, offering a tangible solution for self-care. Through partnerships with wellness brands and businesses, Mesmerize will become a trusted product, helping people foster moments of tranquility in their everyday lives.