Somnox

UX / UI Design

If ever something could be described as oddly comforting, it's the Somnox Sleep Robot—a bean-shaped cuddly robot designed to be spooned while you sleep. For Somnox, I designed the application that comes with the robot, including a collection of soothing sounds and breathing exercises. Helping your body to synchronise to a slow, steady breathing rhythm that sends you off with ease.

The challenge

With only 4 more weeks before the Sleep Robot hit the market, I joined the Somnox team to improve the design of their application. By updating the user flow and visual design we were able to set the right mood, as well as improving the readability and navigation of the app.

Our challenge was to design a very easy-to-use and accessible application since 80% of the Sleep Robot users described themselves as 'not very tech-savvy'. We therefore simplified the flow through the app and made the 3 main functions of the Sleep Robot (adjusting your program, checking in with your robot and personalizing your breathing) directly accessible via the home screen.

Smart and easy setup

The home screen offers direct access to different sleep programs, sleep statistics and recommendations. Via the status screen, that is accessible when connected over Bluetooth, users can always check in with their Sleep Robot, check battery levels and update their software. 

Soothing sounds

The Sleep Robot can also play soothing music, nature sounds, or soft white noise. These sounds have a relaxing effect and can enhance the calming effect of the robot. Users can add sounds to their breathing program by selecting their desired sounds from the playlist in the app.

Breathing settings

To make setting up your Sleep Robot as easy as possible, the app predicts a comfortable breathing tempo based on your gender, age and body mass index and then allows you to fine-tune it until the pace feels right. You can also set the breathing on adaptive mode, in which the robot automatically adapts to your breathing rate. 

“Setting up the Somnox takes no more than a minute. Using factors like gender, age, and body mass index, the app predicts a comfortable breathing tempo, and then allows you to fine-tune them until the pace feels right.”

Arielle Pardes, WIRED

Development: Hoye Lam (iOS) & Job Engel (Android)
Awards: Red dot & IF Design award 2019