SoundGuard
Improving accessibility through a connected mobile and smartwatch experience.
Research and Discovery
Design a cross-platform accessibility solution that improves safety and awareness for individuals who are hard of hearing. The project required the integration of both mobile and smartwatch platforms to create a seamless user experience that bridges digital and wearable technology.
Design Process
Through extensive user research and iterative design processes, SoundGuard was developed to help users identify important environmental sounds through visual and haptic alerts. Multiple rounds of testing and refinement were conducted to ensure the solution was intuitive, reliable and accessible
Final Solution
The final outcome was a high-fidelity mobile and smartwatch prototype created in Figma. The solution demonstrates a connected ecosystem that allows users to receive sound notifications, manage alerts and customise their experience across both devices.
Smartwatch Integration
The smartwatch companion app provides real-time vibration alerts when nearby sounds are detected, helping users identify both the type and direction of the sound. Notification preferences can be customised within the mobile app, including unique vibration patterns for different sound categories, creating a more accessible and personalised experience.
Emergency Vehicle Alerts
To improve safety for users with hearing difficulties, SoundGuard integrates with navigation services to provide real-time emergency vehicle alerts. When an emergency vehicle is detected nearby, users receive a vibration notification on their smartwatch and can view its location within the mobile app. This feature helps users stay aware of their surroundings while travelling and supports safer decision-making on the road.
