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Shift
Synopsis
Shift uses wearable data to detect rising stress and responds with quiet, ambient cues and gentle movement that nudge users toward quick recovery before stress escalates.
Synopsis
Shift uses wearable data to detect rising stress and responds with quiet, ambient cues and gentle movement that nudge users toward quick recovery before stress escalates.
Credits:
Professor - Hannah Chung & Cutter Hutton
Capabilities:
3D Visualisation
Prototyping
CMF Analysis
User Testing
Professor - Hannah Chung & Cutter Hutton
Capabilities:
3D Visualisation
Prototyping
CMF Analysis
User Testing
Date:
Dec 9th 2025
Dec 9th 2025
The tools meant to help us manage stress are delivered through the same screens causing it
People are trying to recover. It's not working
When we do step away, we reach for our phones or anything that keeps the brain occupied rather than allowing it to rest.
Tracking stress isn't the same as relieving it
Users have to repeatedly check their phones for stress data, which can be distracting and often lacks meaningful context.Design Criteria
Subtle Signals
User should receive information from the product through peripheral vision and senses.
User should receive information from the product through peripheral vision and senses.
Ambient
The product should appear approachable, conveying softness, roundness and calmness.
The product should appear approachable, conveying softness, roundness and calmness.
Playful Interactions
The product should reward mindfulness and calmness through a playful manner.
The product should reward mindfulness and calmness through a playful manner.
Focused Concepts
Light and Color
A desktop device that attracts the user’s attention through light and color sensitivity.
Transparency and Opacity
A dedicated device that can reflect the user’s state of mind through opacity and transparency.
Movement
A dedicated desktop device that attracts the user’s attention through subtle movement and change of device’s silhouette.
Refinement
The form and propotions were driven by how noticeability when put on the desk and the relationship of the curvature between the main body and the baseColor explorations
Exploring colors and textures that reminisce different colors and scenaries of coastlinesWorking prototype
Testing how much movement is enough to be present without being disruptive.A workflow indicator
Gentle movement that nudges the user to take a break and recover
Meaningful Recovery
Unlike a notification, Shift can't be dismissed. It stays “shifted” until your wearable confirms real recovery.
Seen at the edge, not on a screen
Align means you are steady, offsets mean it’s time to recover.
Wireless charging dock
The base charges wirelessly, giving Shift a permanent place in your workspace so you can pick it up and put it down without a cord in the way.
Satisfying reset
When you feel ready to return to work, pick up the device and push the middle section into place to reset it.
Personalise the device to your workflow
User is able to adjust the responsiveness of the device and set recovery goals through the app interface.
Connected to your health tracker
Using data from your health tracker, Shift detects signs of stress or fatigue and responds with physical cues.