Product Design & Development
Transcend
We live in an environment where the speed at which we operate is overwhelming. To help people to reduce stress and anxiety, Transcend provides a fully integrated relaxation experience. By combining a personalized mobile application with a smart chair, our product provides the user with fully immersive and relaxing experience in public space, offering at least 10 mins to “take time to stop and smell the roses”. The project includes concept design and business plan.
Client /
Local Motors
Role /
Design and Strategy
Team /
Anna Phan
Izabela Witoszko
Year /
2017
Problem Space
We live in an environment where the speed at which we operate is overwhelming. People need a way to bring peace into their day. How might we design an experience that will give people at least 10 mins a day to slow down, reduce stress and anxiety?
Long nights studying
On the go
Always connected
Overbooked schedules
Pressure to succeed
“It’s hard to unwind throughout the day. I try to take a short break, go for a walk.”
“I normally go away for a weekend to unplug. It lets me to forget about everything.”
Needs List
provides privacy
fresh air
easy access
convenient
effective relaxation time
allows me to unplug
comfortable
Design Process
To solve the problem mentioned above and to provide a fully immersive experience, a smart chair with a cover fitted with a soft screen and a speaker is designed. A hoodie-like concept is selected to both ensure the safety and fulfill ergonomic needs.
Before making the final full-scale prototype, a low fidelity paper box prototype was made and tested with users, to collect more feedback for further improvement.
User Feedback
- Animations were faint (might be due to sunlight)
- More noise canceling
- Song sounded like it was looping
- Users want to recline on the chair
- The relaxation experience is more important than personal preferences
- Some users need the ability to change settings
A full-scale prototype made from a chair, a dome, wood boards, foam, and fabric was made.
Product Reveal
Transcend provides an immersive relaxation experience by integrating a boost pod with soft screen and speaker. The user can download the App to control the content they would like to enjoy.
Boost Pod
Mobile User Interface
Four Ambient Modes
Business Plan
Boost Pod
Fully immersive and integrated relaxation experience at an affordable price: $1300
+
Market Opportunities
The service will be provided in public space, such as corporations, airports, and transportations. Individuals can also own the service at home.
Go to Market Strategy
To introduce our product to market, high-tech corporations will be our first customers as they are the early tech adopters. Those corporations care more about employees' wellness and have high spending power. Silicon Valley office will be our first target and will expand later after the first introduction.
Competition
We compared our product with three types of products that can provide similar service as we do: Immersive experience, Smart furniture, and In-car content & service.
Immersive Experiences
Smart Furniture
In-car Content & Service
Distribution and Marketing Strategy
We want to become the “go-to brand” for personalized relaxation on the go
Supply Chain Strategy
Manufacturing & Development Plan
Mobile app and platform: 6 months
Boost Pod: 1 year
Business Model & Financials
Business Model
We provide a full solution at $1300 selling price and in app purchase.
Cost of Chair Production (BoM)
Total cost per unit: $233
NPV & Cash Flow
We hope to be cash positive by the 2nd year.
NPV: $2M in 4 years
Retail price: $1300
Sales volume: 30% per year