NotBed
The alarm clock app uses no-code machine learning tools to recognize gestures and body postures via the smartphone camera. When the alarm rings, users must replicate specific postures displayed by the app to turn it off. The app validates these postures in real-time and only stops the alarm once the correct posture is matched. This ensures users are fully awake and engaged, starting their day alert and active.
Associated with
University of Siena
Working period
May - Jun 2023
Challenge
The NotBed project aimed to create a solution for individuals with "clinomania" or "disania," a chronic difficulty in getting out of bed. This challenge stems from fatigue, low energy, or even mood disorders, which make rising in the morning especially challenging.
NotBed’s challenge was to design an app-based alarm that helps users wake up effectively without multiple alarms and with built-in activities that stimulate both the mind and body to prevent falling back asleep.
Results
The NotBed app prototype features a single-alarm setup with two interactive wake-up modes: “Slow but Gold,” where users replicate yoga poses, and “Better than Coffee,” which requires performing dance steps.
User feedback has shown that the app successfully helps users wake up and feel more energized in the morning.
Test results confirmed the app's efficiency in reducing oversleeping and facilitating a productive start to the day, with users reporting improvements in punctuality and alertness.
Process
Empathize: Through research on sleep disorders and user interviews, the team identified the core challenges faced by individuals struggling to wake up due to fatigue or mental health conditions.
Define: The problem statement emphasized the need for a wake-up solution that prevents users from easily dismissing alarms and falling back asleep.
Ideate: Explored solutions and decided on interactive alarm options involving movement and physical engagement to ensure users are fully awake.
Prototype: Developed the app interface with two unique modes that require either yoga poses or dance steps to turn off the alarm, ensuring users are active and alert.
Test: Tested with users who provided positive feedback on the app’s effectiveness, with suggestions for further customization, like tracking alarm history in a calendar view.
Conclusion
NotBed effectively addresses the difficulties of waking up associated with clinomania by combining physical and mental engagement into the alarm process.
The app’s innovative use of interactive modes encourages users to wake up with energy, supporting improved routines and helping reduce the habit of oversleeping.
The successful testing phase highlighted NotBed’s potential as a valuable tool for users who struggle to rise in the morning, promoting both productivity and well-being.