Soma
A simple object for quiet moments
A small, stone-shaped handheld device that grounds the user through touch, warmth, and subtle haptic feedback, encouraging slow, intuitive interaction to support calm and focused breathing.
Duration 8 weeks
Tools Solidworks, Blender, Keyshot
Skills User Research, Prototyping, Surface Modeling, Computer Aided Design
How might we empower people
to regain control in anxious moments?
Identifying everyday pain points
In moments of stress or overstimulation, there is often no clear or acceptable way to pause and reset without drawing attention. Many people resort to subtle coping behaviors such as fidgeting, shallow breathing, or distraction—these offer little relief and can feel unintentional or ineffective.
Without a simple, discreet tool for grounding, these moments accumulate, making it harder to regain focus or calm. What’s missing is an object that fits naturally into daily life, offering quiet support without screens, explanation, or interruption.
Designed to Slow You Down
Moments leading up to presentations or high-pressure situations leave little room to pause or reset. With the right support, these brief moments can become opportunities to steady focus and regain control. A simple, tactile object helps ground attention when it’s needed most.
Soma
A simple, tactile device for grounding during quiet or anxious moments
Breathwork made natural
A smooth, rounded surface invites your thumb to move in slow, circular motions, creating a steady, grounding rhythm. As you trace the curve, gentle haptic pulses respond beneath your touch, subtly guiding your pace downward. Soft warmth rises through the core and relaxes your grip, while a thin band of light signals when to inhale and exhale. Together, the rotation, vibration, heat, and light create a quiet ritual that slows your breath and recenters your mind.
Designed as a unified system
The device is designed as part of a small, intentional system anchored by a wooden base. Rather than functioning as storage, the base acts as an invitation—its warm material and soft, sculpted form create a sense of calm, even at rest.
The base naturally draws attention as you pass by, encouraging the device to be picked up without conscious effort. Together, the object and base form a quiet ritual, making moments of grounding feel accessible, familiar, and integrated into daily life.
Meet Lily
A college student who feels anxious before presentations and needs a way to steady herself without drawing attention. She wants something modern and trend-aligned—not medical or clinical—so it feels natural to use around others. The device gives her a discreet, calming ritual she can rely on before she speaks.
