Interaction Design · 2021
Small signals, closer connections
OctoMood explores emotional communication between long-distance partners.
CLIENTUniversity of Queensland · Academic project
MY ROLEInterface Designer & Prototype Programmer
YEAR2021
User researchDesignCode
01
The challenge
Long-distance couples can find it difficult to maintain everyday intimacy and awareness of each other’s feelings.
02
The approach
Our team interviewed five people in long-distance relationships and refined the concept into a wearable and companion app. I built an Arduino/Unity prototype and a separate SwiftUI app, using simple happy and sad signals to invite follow-up conversation.
03
The outcome
The prototypes demonstrated sending emotion signals, viewing emotion history and customising feedback. The wearable and app were separate demonstrations; a live Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection was outside the semester’s scope.