PROJECT ︎︎︎Cue

TYPE ︎︎︎ 3D Design, Interaction, Branding

DURATION ︎︎︎ Research / Oct-Dec 2021
Construction Jan-Mar 2022

TOOLS︎︎︎ OnShape, Adobe Dimension, Figma, Illustrator

Project Overview ︎︎︎

Research shows that context, rather than conscious effort, is what prompts repeated behaviours. Furthermore, adherence is sustained by positive emotional associations rather than a practical understanding of treatments. Consisting of two modular devices, Cue harnesses the power of context by transforming the user’s environment through light and haptics, customizable through its companion app. Friendly and discrete, its appearance as a pleasing design object helps users form positive emotional connections to their new routines. Cue Carry can travel with users to help build habits on the go, while Cue Base provides a stable point of return as a home charging station.

Despite our best intentions, Habits are hard to maintain - even if we know they’re good for us.

Poor medical adherence (one’s ability to follow treatment regimens) not only directly impacts quality of life, but can come with a significant financial burden, further adding to stress and impacting health outcomes. Despite our best intentions, these and other routines are often difficult to sustain in the long-term and are influenced by a dizzying array of psychological factors. While the very beginning of a habit is triggered by some conscious effort, the end goal is to shift a behaviour into the automatic subconscious - think about how you operate a car without having to think about each individual action, or how you automatically brush your teeth when you head into the bathroom every morning.

Research shows that context, rather than conscious effort, is what prompts repeated behaviours. Furthermore, adherence is sustained by positive emotional associations moreso than a practical understanding of hhow the treatment works. Building on these research findings, Cue harnesses the power of context by transforming the user’s environment through light and haptics customizable through its companion app. Friendly and discrete, its appearance as a pleasing design object helps users form positive emotional connections to their new routines. Cue Carry can travel with users to help build habits on the go, while Cue Base provides a stable point of return as a home charging station. The companion app is designed to be hands-off after onboarding, allowing users to forego the digital pollution that many reminder apps enforce through endless push notifications vying for attention on a user’s device.

Cue’s Identity was developed to emphasize a connection with the earth and nature, reflecting the pebble as its primary inspiration. Friendly and stable, its natural curves and balanced palette help to de-medicalize the process of building treatment routines, allowing users to think of the process in a new light. Similarly, it avoids gendered stereotypes or overly sterile visual treatments, making it an approachable option for a wide variety of potential users, from caregivers to those aiming for proactive wellness.