Immersion
Designing a Sound-Based Digital Mode to Support Focus and Emotional Well-Being
Immersion is a speculative iOS system extension that helps users regain focus, emotional clarity, and digital balance through contextual soundscapes and personalized interaction modes.
It responds to a growing need for mental space in our hyper-connected digital environments—transforming operating systems into tools for emotional regulation.
In a world where digital interactions are constant and overwhelming, users often struggle to maintain concentration and emotional balance. Immersion explores how system-level sound design and adaptive UI behavior can offer users an intentional mode for deep focus, using sound as a subtle but powerful interface for well-being.This was a self-initiated conceptual design project focused on speculative interaction, sensory design, and digital wellness.
Feature 01
Immersive Focus
Users can set their immersive sounds and the Timer for alarm if they are distracted by other apps. Also, the disruptive sound will be displayed and grayscale will be presented if the user loses focus.
Feature 02
Airdrop to Connect
Users can use "Airdrop" to connect to others. This encourages groups of people to focus together.
Feature 03
Summary
Users can view detailed information on the total time of Immersion and the analysis of "Connection".
Back Tap
Users can easily turn on the Immersion mode by simply back-tapping.
Feature 04
Design Thinking Process
Discover
-
Research
-
Problem Define
Define
-
Interview
-
Target Users
-
Design Goals
Development
-
Information Architecture
Iteration
-
User Testing
Deliver
-
UI Design
5W1H
The convenience and design of smartphones have made them powerful tools—but also major contributors to overconsumption and distraction. Through the 5W1H analysis, it's clear that the issue affects nearly everyone and is deeply rooted in our everyday interactions with mobile devices. Immersion addresses this challenge by creating a calming, distraction-reducing environment that supports sustained focus. By reframing how we engage with our devices, this system encourages more intentional use—helping users regain control over their attention and productivity.
Immersion let users concentrate better on their work duties by reducing distractions, which affect their performance on their assignments by encouraging them to stay focused. It would measure effectiveness by tracking user engagement and productivity.
Competitors Research (SWOT)
Strengths
Weakness
-
It offers varied options for experience, such as meditation, guided & non, music, motivational talks, and collaborates with celebrities and thought leaders.
-
The price point at $60 is quite high with a barrier to entry for most people.
Opportunities
-
The product enhances wellness but requires the investment of expansive resources (time, money, etc) - by reducing the resources necessary to embrace presence.
Threats
-
It requires an existing community base. Those who invested may not wish to rely on another function within the iOS ecosystem for similar results.
Strengths
-
It boasts customizable spatial soundscapes, unique visual artifacts, dynamic head tracking and AR soundscapes that alleviate noise pollution.
Weakness
-
It is a standalone app with no integration and lacks of attention to behavior.
Opportunities
-
The customization options are broad and hyper-specific. By simplifying the overall user experience we would be more adept at enhancing focus.
Threats
-
The focus function will not have a visual counterpart to the auditory experience. Additionally, we have less capability to customize sounds.
Insights
Interview
During interviews, participants revealed:
-
Unconscious habitual behaviors leading to excessive phone use.
-
Increased reliance on mobile entertainment due to the monolithic nature of entertainment.
-
Difficulty suppressing the desire for pleasure, exacerbated by the convenience of smartphones.
-
Engaging in hands-on activities to distract themselves from excessive phone usage.
Overall, interviews highlighted individuals' attraction to the sensory experiences and connectivity offered by smartphones, shaping their usage habits and preferences.
Target Users
iPhone users have poor self-regulation ability and easily get distracted by their phones.
Goals
-
To reduce screen time and improve focus on assignments to enhance academic performance.
-
Desire for an intuitive app that effectively addresses specific needs and enhances productivity.
Frustrations
-
Procrastination caused by excessive phone usage, leading to decreased efficiency in academic performance.
-
It is difficult to find a suitable app that meets the needs.
"How might we create spaces within the built environment that foster concentration, while also embracing the pervasive presence of our devices through various mediums connecting us to our surroundings?"
Design Concept
-
Introduce an "Immersion" mode to enhance the existing focus function.
-
Incorporate immersive background sounds.
-
Track users' concentration time and provide comprehensive statistical data.
-
Engage in focused activities with friends and family.
-
Include the Back Tap function to enhance accessibility and ease of use.
Information Architecture
Immersion creates a responsive layer within the iOS system that blends subtle sound cues with contextual behavior. Users activate Immersion Modes which adjust UI feedback, minimize distractions, and generate an ambient audio experience tailored to user needs. The goal is not to escape the screen, but to transform it—shifting from a source of anxiety to a companion in presence and calm.
What I Learned
This project deepened my understanding of how sound environments shape focus and emotional well-being. I gained experience in analyzing, articulating, and crafting comprehensive user experiences. I strengthened my ability to design thoughtful, experience-driven interactions—and moving forward, I hope to further explore light field technology to create more immersive, responsive digital spaces.