Surroundings


A Smart System for Healthy Rhythms
During this project, I collaborated with SCAD studio teammates to design and develop a smart home system concept integrating IoT devices, biometric tracking, and ambient technology.
My role encompassed user research, MVP prototyping to assess the impact of light, sound, and habit-forming technology on circadian rhythms, as well as product rendering and final packaging design.
Role
UX Research
Product Design
Product Renders
Packaging
Space
Consumer Technology
Tools
Miro
Figma
Rhino 3D
KeyShot Render
Date
Fall 2022
Problem Statement
Modern lifestyles have disrupted natural circadian rhythms, leading to fatigue, decreased focus, and unhealthy habits. With excessive screen time, irregular sleep patterns, and constant digital distractions, users struggle to maintain a balanced, present-focused life. Surroundings addresses these challenges by providing an intelligent system that fosters rhythmically healthier routines.

Our goal is to helps users towards less technology-dependent, and rhythmically healthier lives.




Our Solution
Surroundings is an innovative smart system designed to help users cultivate healthy habits, boost energy levels, and regulate internal rhythms.
By integrating intentional light, sound, and natural language prompts, Surroundings creates a holistic approach to well-being that gradually shifts users away from technology dependence and passive living.

Mobile App
An onboarding platform that helps users create intentional activities, track their progress, and customize their wellness journey.
Envo Ambient Display
Adapts to users’ environments, utilizing therapeutic lighting techniques to regulate circadian rhythms.
Inter Ring
A wearable smart ring that track biometric data and offers subtle haptic and sonic alerts to guide users back to healthy routines.



Train Healthy Habits
Boost Your Energy
Correct Your Rhythms




Biometric Activity
Screentime & Pickups
Mood
Overall
Presense Score
Today
9:41
Seamlessly Connect and Configure Your Device



Swipe Up To Begin
Find a central location in your home where you can be visually alerted by the light emitted from Envo.
9:41

Next, select a Color
Energetic
Info
9:41


Close your eyes, and take a deeep breath.
Continue
Bypass
9:41



Biometric Activity
Screentime & Pickups
Mood
Overall
Presense Score
Today
9:41
Find Balance and Track Your Mindfulness Journey
Cultivate Daily Awareness and Healthy Habits



Environment Changed...
Supress
Continue
Pause
9:41


Right Now, Today.
Do your laundry, and listen to the new Drake & 21 Savage Album, Her Loss.
Go for a run with Bennett in 30 minutes around Forsyth Park.
Remember to yell at your students when they walk in late.
9:41

Impact & Potential
Surroundings empowers individuals to reclaim control over their daily routines, fostering a lifestyle that prioritizes presence and well-being. By addressing the root causes of circadian disruption and excessive screen exposure, this system holds promise for enhancing mental health, productivity, and overall quality of life.
This is a movement toward a healthier, more intentional way of living. By blending smart technology with behavioral science, it offers users a path to balance, energy, and presence in an increasingly distracted world.
Process Timeline
Identify User Problem
Analyze
Define
Design
Solutions
Ideate
Prototype
User Test



Understand the Market
Research Competitors
Defining Product Direction



Generate Concepts
Create MVP Concept
User Test (Environmental/Physical)




Visual & Branding Design
UI & Product Design
Product Renders
Package Design

Conducted environment tests to refine product scenarios.
Verified MVP design through iterative user testing methods.
Applied biometric data insights to enhance user health outcomes
Validation

Optimized form, function, and material selection.
Developed high-fidelity 3D models of the product and its packaging.
Created realistic renders and prototypes to visualize design intent.
Prototyping

Gained valuable insights into the intersection of technology, human behavior, and design.
Having 3D assets pushed me to think about the product beyond its digital interface.
This project reinforced the importance of designing with the intentionality and scalability in mind.
Reflection
Throughout this project, I gained valuable insights into the intersection of technology, human behavior, and design. Balancing functionality with user experience was a key challenge, particularly when integrating IoT elements with intuitive interactions. Iterative prototyping played a crucial role in refining the system, allowing me to test and validate how light, sound, and biometric tracking influenced user behavior.
Collaboration with my team was instrumental in shaping the final outcome. By combining user research with technical feasibility, we crafted a solution that not only enhances circadian rhythms but also encourages a mindful, present lifestyle. Additionally, working on 3D modeling and packaging pushed me to think about the product beyond its digital interface—considering materials, sustainability, and the tactile experience.
This project reinforced the importance of designing with intentionality and scalability in mind, ensuring that the system could adapt to diverse user needs. Moving forward, I see potential for further development, such as AI-driven personalization and expanded mental health applications. Overall, this experience deepened my understanding of how design can meaningfully shape daily habits and well-being.
Surroundings’ Awards
EUROPEAN
PRODUCT
DESIGN
AWARD

2023 Discovery of the Year
2023 Student Winner
2023 Shortlist Winner
UX, Interface & Navigation
Branding for Electronics
Branding for Interior
Branding for Technology
Branding for Services - Other
Product or Gadget for Social Change
Product or Gadget Design
Integrated Graphic Design for Social Change
Packaging Design for Social Change
Icon Design for Graphic Design
Mobile App
Mobile Interaction & Experience
Interaction Design for Social Change

Gold Awards
Silver Awards
Bronze Awards
Interested in learning more about Surroundings? Let's Connect!