Pulse: a new waking system that wakes users in a gentler, more responsive manner.

What's The Problem?

9-5 working professionals have numerous stressors in their lives, which is never helped by a loud, abrupt alarm in the morning. Especially since cortisol levels are highest in the morning, a harsh alarm clock is a detrimental way for the user to start their day.

My Approach

I began by researching the most effective methods of waking a person up and followed that up with researching what the best of incorporating that method would be.

Vision and Innovation

Vibrotactile waking methods, essentially vibration, are the most effective way of waking an individual up with a lower stress level and with a higher level of self-actualization. To integrate this, my partner and I found that a watch band would be the best way of securing the alarm to the body in a location where it would be minimally invasive and effective.

Final Concept

This concept utilizes retro design cues to appeal to the older 9-5 working professional market, and follows through on using a wristband to wake the user. The wristband is charged and the alarm time is set on the base station, which also displays the time.

Reverse Engineered Components for Final Model

Having to use parts from an existing alarm clock, we designed our final model around the display unit and redirected the speaker unit out the side of the alarm, which was covered by a fabric speaker cover.