Emotional Connection Products
Umi

Emotional Connection Products for Sizhe Huang

Umi redefines digital communication by transforming abstract emotions into tangible experiences, bridging the gap between digital interactions and human touch. Inspired by the paradox of connectivity breeding isolation, it innovates through physical objects that embody emotions and interactive technology that simulates touch. The design challenges the norm by integrating haptic feedback and sensory materials, fostering a deeper human connection. Umi embodies a shift towards a more authentic and empathetic digital dialogue.

Sizhe Huang 2024 Professional Iron Press Kit № 154077

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Umi by Sizhe Huang
Umi by Sizhe Huang

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image offers versatility for print: achieve crisp, detailed prints up to 6 inches at 300 DPI, or opt for larger, yet still sharp visuals up to 12 inches at 150 DPI. Press accreditation offers watermark-free high-res downloads. For immediate needs, low-res images are ready now. To identify photo contributors, visit the Image Credits Section.

Emotional Connection Products by Sizhe Huang
Emotional Connection Products by Sizhe Huang

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image adapts to your print needs: sharp and detailed at 6 inches with 300 DPI, it transitions smoothly to 12 inches at 150 DPI, preserving visual quality. With press accreditation, enjoy watermark-free, high-res downloads. Low-res images are available immediately for all. For photo credit information, refer to the Image Credits Section.

Sizhe Huang Umi
Sizhe Huang Umi

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

The 1800-pixel image is crafted for flexibility in print sizes—crisp and detailed at up to 6 inches with 300 DPI, and maintains its clarity at up to 12 inches when set to 150 DPI. Unlock high-res, watermark-free images with press accreditation, or instantly download a low-res version today. For photo credit information, refer to the Image Credits Section.

Sizhe Huang Emotional Connection Products
Sizhe Huang Emotional Connection Products

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image offers versatility for print: achieve crisp, detailed prints up to 6 inches at 300 DPI, or opt for larger, yet still sharp visuals up to 12 inches at 150 DPI. Press credentials grant access to download high-res, watermark-free images. Alternatively, download a low-res version instantly. Details on photo contributions are located in the Image Credits Section.

Sizhe Huang Designer Portrait Photo
Sizhe Huang Designer Portrait Photo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Harness the clarity of this 1800-pixel image for your prints—perfectly sharp at 6 inches with 300 DPI and equally clear at 12 inches when adjusted to 150 DPI. High-res, no watermark images await those with press accreditation. For instant access, download a low-res version. For photo credit information, refer to the Image Credits Section.

Sizhe HuangBrand Logo
Sizhe HuangBrand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Leverage the high resolution of this 1800-pixel image for detailed, vibrant prints. At 300 DPI, it's ideal for up to 6 inches; at 150 DPI, it scales beautifully to 12 inches. Press accreditation unlocks high-res images without watermarks. Need something now? Download a low-res image instantly. Image attributions can be found in the Image Credits Section.

Design Newswire
Umi Emotional Connection Products Press Releases

Press releases tailored for Umi are available in the languages: English.


Press Kit
Umi Emotional Connection Products Media Articles

Explore our ready-to-use articles on Umi, available in multiple languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, Portuguese, Indonesian, Turkish, Japanese, Arabic (Standard), Russian, Korean and Hindi, for your feature stories.


Unique Properties

Umi introduces a novel approach to digital communication by blending physical objects, the Pebble and Nest, with an intuitive app. It allows digital expressions to be felt physically, a feature absent in current communication tools. It makes distant conversations feel close and personal by turning virtual messages into real-world interactions through touch and presence. Umi's strength lies in its simplicity and making technology feel more human, offering a unique blend of emotional engagement.

Tags

Tangible Connectivity, Emotional Resonance, Digital-Tactile Fusion, Human-Centric Design, Sensory Experience, Virtual Intimacy, Innovative Communication, Personal Tokens, User Experience Design, Interaction Design

Production Technology

The Pebble uses haptic tech for a realistic touch feel, made from a tactile material boosting sensory interactions. The Nest has NFC and Bluetooth, linking easily to phones and playing voice messages instantly. The Umi and Apple Watch apps provide a cohesive digital journey, utilizing modern API and machine learning for live, tailored touch and voice exchanges.

Design Challenge

The challenge in creating Umi was twofold: ensuring it adapts to varied user environments while maintaining emotional authenticity. I strived to capture genuine feelings in a digital format, a task requiring a delicate balance between technology and human emotion. Additionally, harmonizing tactile feedback with visual elements was essential, aiming for a design that felt natural and intuitive across different scenarios, enriching the user's emotional experience without compromise.

Project Duration

The project started in January 2022 and finished in June 2022 in Los Angeles.

Operation Flow

Start with the Umi app to personalize your Pebble and Nest, and invite friends to participate. After exchanging Umi sets, users link their devices with the app. Interactions through Umi are intuitive: a touch on the Pebble sends a signal, creating a physical sensation of touch for the recipient through their device. Voice messages are similarly easy to exchange, with the Nest playing the message upon placement of the phone. This setup enables straightforward, tactile, and auditory communication, enhancing the way users connect from afar.

Research

Through expert interviews and user surveys, I explored the role of tactile feedback in enhancing digital communication’s emotional depth. The objective was to blend physical sensations with digital interactions, addressing the lack of warmth in current technologies. The research identified a demand for features like haptic feedback and personalized avatars, leading to Umi’s development. User testing of prototypes refined the design, emphasizing simplicity and emotional connection.

Inspiration

Umi is born from a digital paradox: in our hyper-connected world, we find ourselves ensnared in a web of loneliness. This revelation emerged from a deep dive into the digital age's impact on human connection, uncovering a stark absence of tactile interaction. Inspired by the enduring power of simple human gestures, from the warmth of a handwritten note to the comfort of a gentle touch, Umi aims to reintegrate these sensory experiences into digital communication.

Image Credits

Sizhe Huang

Project Overview

Umi Emotional Connection Products has been a Iron winner in the Interface, Interaction and User Experience Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Sizhe Huang Designer Portrait Photo Award Logo
Iron Recognition

Sizhe Huang was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Umi Emotional Connection Products.

DesignPRWire
Sizhe Huang Press Releases

Numerous press releases on Sizhe Huang and their achievements are at your disposal, inviting press members to use them freely in their coverage. Immediate access is granted to 1 press releases for all journalists.


Introducing Umi: Redefining Digital Communication with Emotional Connection Products

Designer Sizhe Huang Unveils Umi, a Novel Approach to Digital Communication Blending Physical and Digital Interactions


Sizhe Huang Designer Portrait Photo
Sizhe Huang Newsroom

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