SLEEP – AND SLEEPING BETTER
How might a sleep tracking device go beyond mere monitoring and actually play a part in improving people's sleep quality?
IN BRIEF
An international technology company, partnered with an acquired startup, had a device that accurately tracks and monitors sleep quality. I worked with two designers to study people's thoughts and habits around sleep by giving them a prototype of the device and monitoring their behaviors over the course of three weeks.
MY ROLE IN THE PROJECT
Recruit
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Screened and recruited 10 interviewees from the Greater Boston area
Designing the Study
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Designed a plan for daily reports from interviewees
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Planned the instructions that interviewees would follow at each phase of the project
Conducting the Study
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Designed and conducted interviews at the end of each phase
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Monitored daily user reports, compared it with quantitative data from the tracking device, and used information to tailor questions for interviewees
Analysis & Synthesis
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Analyzed and synthesized data into user insights
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Worked with my team to turn insights into design recommendations
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Created the content of the final deck
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
The metaphors that people use to describe sleep gives insight on how people understand the data that they get.
The metaphors that people use to describe sleep gives insight on how people understand the data that they get.
People think of a night's rest as time to "recharge" their batteries.
THE ENERGY METER | Instead of using a meaningless 'Sleep Score,' use a metaphor that ties into people's understanding of sleep.
Processes of ramping up and winding down are key.
Mornings are when the impact of the previous night's sleep is felt most. Evenings are when people have the most control over the quality of their next night's sleep.
TARGETED TIMING | 'Tips' that improve sleep quality should not be unilaterally given in the morning when they are least actionable. Instead, offer tips up when they are more relevant.
People who are interested in sleep data fluctuate between two main motivations.
Sometimes, they want to problem solve. Other times, they are interested in simply monitoring and watching for overall patterns.
TWO MODES | We built in two modes: Problem-Solving and Health Tracking. Users can shift modes based on their personal goals.
