Design

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

Calm Down with Calmi —

A device that assists young adults in managing stress by teaching them effective relaxation techniques.
Client
Calmi
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Role
All Aspects
Year
2020 — 2024

Introduction

Approximately 36% of young adults report struggling with stress and anxiety, making relaxation a challenge.

Many young adults today struggle to balance their active lifestyles with the need for downtime, often finding it challenging to adopt effective relaxation techniques. Research shows that younger generations experience higher stress levels compared to previous ones.

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Deliverables

Calmi empowers young adults to manage stress with guided relaxation exercises.

Calmi is a device designed to blend effortlessly into daily life. Paired with its companion app, it tracks your activity, sends break reminders, and guides you through stress-relief exercises. Calmi transforms a space into a sanctuary, using ambient lighting and soothing soundscapes to create the perfect environment for relaxation.

I developed Calmi from the ground up, creating the design, hardware, and software. The result is a fully functional proof of concept.

Research

It’s not that we work too much; we simply rest too little.

The project began with in-depth qualitative research, including interviews with psychologists and insights gathered from focus groups. Experts highlighted the critical role of quality sleep and mindful relaxation in maintaining overall well-being.

One quote resonated deeply: “It’s not that we work too much; we simply rest too little. Scrolling through social media or playing video games, often doesn’t provide true rest."

Person holding Calmi while it is emitting light.

Foundations

Sensory triggers can significantly enhance well-being and foster a deeper sense of serenity.

Through a series of experiments, I explored how technology could harmonize audio, visual, and aromatic elements to create a deeper sense of serenity. HRV data revealed that combining all these elements had the most profound impact. The research uncovered a simple truth: small, intentional stress-relief exercises can create lasting change. These insights shaped Calmi.

This is Calmi

Your guide to a happier, healthier life.

Calmi reimagines mental well-being with innovative features that bring relaxation and stress relief into your home. Its portable, battery-powered design transforms any space into a sanctuary of light and sound. Explore personalized exercises, track your progress, and discover a renewed sense of balance in life.

From sketch to design

Designed with care, using sustainable materials.

The design process started with sketching initial drafts, which were translated into 3D-printed prototypes to refine the design’s look and feel. At the same time, various off-the-shelf components were tested and fitted to achieve the right balance between aesthetics and functionality. To ensure a sustainable and eco-friendly footprint, all concepts, including the final enclosure, were crafted from biodegradable plastics.

Calmi during the building process showcasing the ESP-32 microcontroller.
Calmi during the building process showcasing the internals.

Companion app

Connecting digital and physical.

The Calmi companion app was developed to work alongside the device to simplify setup, track progress, and offer a curated library of relaxation content. Users can choose from a variety of exercises and calming ambiances, displayed in the app as interactive cards.

Icon that represents the set-up process of connecting Calmi to the app.

Set-up Calmi

Setting up Calmi is effortless: simply press the connection button on the back of the device, connect it to the internet via the app, and create your profile.

Calmi app showcasing the initial set-up screen.
Icon representing a Calmi session in action.

Start a session

Select an exercise or session through the app, which sends it directly to the device. Then, start your session with a simple press of the button on top of the device.

App displayed in action where the user is swiping between session cards.
Calmi app showcasing the initial set-up screen.The prepare your Calmi set-up screen displayed in a mock-up.The set-up process completion screen displayed in a mock-up.The Calmi Home tab displayed in a mockup.The Calmi sessions tab displayed in a mockup.The Calmi sleep sessions tab displayed in a mockup.The Calmi active session screen displayed in a mockup.

Content

Blending sound, light, and narration.

All of Calmi’s content is stored in the companion app and updates regularly through app store updates. It features custom-made relaxation sessions crafted by blending sound, light, and narration, alongside carefully curated content.

Each session is themed, with some offering immersive, story-driven journeys, like the nature-inspired ‘Forest Walk,’ while others focus on teaching relaxation techniques, such as ‘Learning How to Breathe.’

Person holding Calmi, with the top buttons displayed.
Technology and software

Calmi from the inside out

Calmi was built using off-the-shelf components and electronics, centered around a dual-core microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi and a compact design. Additionally, Calmi includes a twenty four pixel light ring, a speaker, a battery, a USB charging port, and support for wireless charging.
Specifications

Calm down with Calmi

Calm down with Calmi

Schematic image showing the various exterior parts that make up Calmi.​

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