Whispers of Comfort
Alleviate emotional trauma
In Progress
University of Michigan
Designing a digital tactile product to enable users to alleviate emotional trauma from bereavement
MY ROLE
As a UX research assistant, I designed and tested a digital therapy tool integrating AI-driven conversations and tactile comfort.
IMPACT
Early user testing has validated the importance of personalized and empathetic digital therapy for individuals coping with grief.
TEAM
Professor, 1 UX research assistant, 1 developer
TIMEFRAME
May - Dec 2024
Summary
We identified that existing digital solutions for users who suffers from bereavement lacked empathetic, human-like interactions.
Our research revealed that users value two-way communication over solitary coping methods
Solution
Integrating tactile product & digital applicaiton
In Progress!! —>
*Design finished *Conducted usability testing
Process
Let me spill some tea..
Problem Space
Goal
Hypothesis based on Persona
Users need accessible, ongoing emotional support
AI based functions are favorable
Users value tactile interactions with comforting objects
Users value Customization
Privacy and emotional authenticity are important
User Research
10 in-depth interviews, ensuring diversity in age, relationship to the deceased, and emotional intensity. Additionally, 300 online surveys to complement the qualitative interview data.
Data Analysis
Physical comfort is universally significant
NOTE!! —>
Our research identified core needs across age groups, such as emotional support, physical comfort, and grounding techniques, essential for effective grief management. Younger users (18-30) prioritize sensory features and interactive elements like AI voice, while older users (41+) value practical support and non-human tactile comfo
Two-way communication over solitary coping method
Many respondents expressed concerns about the authenticity of AI interactions
Research Summary
Design Decisions
we concluded that a digital therapy solution should leverage AI in a way that feels genuinely compassionate and human. Our goal is to offer continuous, accessible support that respects user comfort levels with AI.
Prototypes
Offer personalization for users to generate more authentic AI response
Enhancing two-way communication by improving device connection instructions, streamlining user onboarding, and optimizing content hierarchy for better clarity and usability.
Feedback from Professor
Increase user comfort level with small details!
1. Icon Design
Final Prototype
2. Night mode
Next Step: User Testing
Our tactile product was successfully integrated with the digital application through collaboration with our team developer and professor. This integration was rigorously tested with users to ensure it met their needs and aligned with our design goals. We are now in the final stages of refining the outcome and preparing to share the completed project soon.