Introducing, MindScape.
Hyundai brainwave-responsive meditation app helping
commuters reset in fragmented in-car moments.
This is a solo project sponsored by Hyundai.
Due to an NDA with Hyundai, I cannot share any images of Hyundai's future models.
All in-car app prototype simulations are conducted using third-party vehicles.
Time Client Role Tool August 2024 — Now Hyundai Motor Group Sole Product Designer
Sole Motion Designer TouchDesigner
Figma
Hyundai brainwave-responsive meditation app helping
commuters reset in fragmented in-car moments.
Due to an NDA with Hyundai, I cannot share any images of Hyundai's future models.
All in-car app prototype simulations are conducted using third-party vehicles.
Sole Motion Designer
Figma
I prototyped 3 key components
This project is now under copyright purchase
Research
Background
Most urban commuters face immense pressure, creating a strong need for a transition space, a pause in the fast-paced life, to relieve stress.
Interview
I interviewed designers, engineers, PMs, and research scientists from Hyundai, Xiaomi EV, Li Auto, MIT, Harvard, and the University of Waterloo to understand the scope and align with the vision.
Findings
During urban work commutes, transition spaces happen as people naturally shift into new roles.
From employee
to partner
to parent
to child
to friend
to self
...
Why are fragmented, solo, non-driving, in-car moments a precious transitional space for escape?
Personal Sanctuary
A rare space free from work, social, and family responsibilities.
A rare space free from work, social, and family responsibilities.
Identity Shift
This mental bridge helps urban commuters shift from work mode to personal or family life.
This mental bridge helps urban commuters shift from work mode to personal or family life.
Controlled Environment
Full control over surroundings—music, silence, or guided relaxation.
Full control over surroundings—music, silence, or guided relaxation.
Unstructured Freedom
Unlike structured downtime, these moments allow the mind to unwind.
Unlike structured downtime, these moments allow the mind to unwind.
Target Audience
Urban professionals who face work stress and seek a mental reset during solo in-car moments before shifting to their next role.
Urban professionals who face work stress and seek a mental reset during solo in-car moments before shifting to their next role.
How might we transform fragmented solo in-car moments into an escape for urban professionals?
My Approach
Brainwave Meditation App
The meditation app provides immediate relief through guided mindfulness exercises. It monitors brainwaves and guides users to a calm state.
Car System Integration
The visual experience syncs with the car, adjusting lighting and climate for immersive meditation.
App Use Scenario
Background
Rocky and his girlfriend, June, had a slightly heated argument last night.
Scene 1
Rocky picked up June from work as usual but arrived early, unconsciously, after their argument last night.
Rocky picked up June from work as usual but arrived early, unconsciously, after their argument last night.
Scene 2
Rocky texted June that he had arrived at her company but got no response.
Rocky texted June that he had arrived at her company but got no response.
Scene 3
Rocky is a little upset and tired, wondering if June is still angry or just busy.
Rocky is a little upset and tired, wondering if June is still angry or just busy.
Scene 4
So, Rocky took out the meditation headband from the car's drawer and tried to relax.
So, Rocky took out the meditation headband from the car's drawer and tried to relax.
Scene 5
Once he put it on, he clicked the start button of the meditation app on the car's display screen.
Once he put it on, he clicked the start button of the meditation app on the car's display screen.
Scene 6
The seat automatically reclined, the temperature adjusted, and Rocky relaxed into the meditation.
The seat automatically reclined, the temperature adjusted, and Rocky relaxed into the meditation.
Scene 7
Ten minutes later, June opened the car door, still upset.
Scene 8
After meditating, Rocky calmly talked with June to resolve last night’s issue.
Scene 9
Calm communication is the best way to resolve issues, and Rocky and June made up.
Scene 10
They happily went home together.
This is life…
Design Principles
Intuitive
Ensure effortless, one-step access for a seamless in-car meditation.
Immersive
Create an deeply engaging visual meditation experience that enhances relaxation.
Compatible
Works with most vehicle systems, featuring a responsive design.
Introducing, MindScape.
Hyundai brainwave-responsive meditation app helping
commuters reset in fragmented in-car moments.
Hyundai brainwave-responsive meditation app helping
commuters reset in fragmented in-car moments.
Onboarding for first-time users
A series of screens showing the app's key features.
A setup guide for connecting the Muse 2 headband for neural monitoring during meditation.
Landing Page
The algorithm recommends the most relevant meditation
based on users' previous neural acuity data.
One-Step Access
The meditation system automatically activates
while users are wearing the headband.
AI-Personalized
Meditation
With the customize button or voice interaction, the AI assistant analyzes the user's needs,
mood, state, location, and weather to create a personalized meditation session.
Meditation Session
During a meditation session, users follow guided visual and auditory stimuli
to create an abstract landscape through brainwave control.
Explore Page
On the Explore page, users can search for courses or browse
curated collections organized by various categories.
History Page
On the History page, users can view and revisit
previously accessed courses or activities.
Favorites Page
On the Favorites page, users can easily access their
saved or liked courses and activities.
The meditation system automatically activates
while users are wearing the headband.
AI-Personalized
Meditation
With the customize button or voice interaction, the AI assistant analyzes the user's needs,
mood, state, location, and weather to create a personalized meditation session.
Meditation Session
During a meditation session, users follow guided visual and auditory stimuli
to create an abstract landscape through brainwave control.
Explore Page
On the Explore page, users can search for courses or browse
curated collections organized by various categories.
History Page
On the History page, users can view and revisit
previously accessed courses or activities.
Favorites Page
On the Favorites page, users can easily access their
saved or liked courses and activities.
Motion Process
Inspiration
The motion is inspired by neural activity as they form new connections.
Concept
As I experimented with different parameters of particle connection, I discovered brainwave patterns resembling abstract landscapes.
1.0
System Design
System Design
This system transmits EEG brainwave data from a headband to control particle movement in TouchDesigner, creating abstract landscapes.
1.0
Test Run
Users indicated that the existing visuals were too uniform, making the experience tedious. They desired the addition of narratives to enhance the meditation experience.
2.0
Iteration
Iteration
Based on previous usability feedback, this version addresses the issue of tedium by introducing color options and narratives. The colors are integrated with traditional Chinese medicine, aiming to purify various organs and promote mental health.
2.0
Test Run
Given the proximity of Alpha and Beta frequencies, participants in the usability test noted that the mountain's appearance and disappearance lacked clarity and smooth transition.
2.0
Test Run Problem
Test Run Problem
Selected Alpha and Beta waves are directly output as EEG data, displaying significant variation without any damping applied.
3.0
Iteration
Iteration
The graph on the right shows that without a filter plugin, the data fluctuates significantly. Adding a filter and adjusting its width parameter creates a smoother filtering effect, resulting in more stable data and improving the user experience.
The graph below demonstrates the use of the crop node to create split screens displayed on three monitors while preserving a panoramic view.
3.0
Test Run
Test Run
Before scaling up to the car model simulation, a prototype test was conducted on a computer screen. Users evaluated the visual effects as excellent, with some suggesting that larger screens could enhance immersion.
4.0 Simulate Hyundai’s future head-up display.
Simulate Hyundai’s future head-up display.
To simulate Hyundai's future model for a public exhibition, I utilized three LED displays to replicate a panoramic head-up display. The setup required an angled monitor wall positioned behind to ensure proper spatial alignment of the screens.
Physical Prototype
Physical Prototype
The plywood sheets were cut with a table saw. Miter joints were made using a drill press and band saw, then secured with screws and jigs. The three sheets were fastened with screws and miter joints for stability. The monitors were mounted and connected to a computer for the display.
Hyundai’s
Public Exhibition.
Showcase the potential for future automotive interactions through
brainwave EEG meditation combined with panoramic head-up display.
Public Exhibition.
Showcase the potential for future automotive interactions through
brainwave EEG meditation combined with panoramic head-up display.
Happening Right Now.
This system is being tested in the latest Hyundai model within an intelligent driving environment, gathering feedback for future improvements.
Thank you Hyundai
for everything.
for everything.
It was my great pleasure to work with these talents, redefining the user experience in future mobility. This journey has been truly incredible.
Thank you for the great guidance and help from the Hyundai team: SangYup Lee, Karim Habib, Kim Young-jae, Lee Seung-yeon, Bae Ji-eun, Max Pratt, Eliza Squibb, Jessica Smith, James Weaver, Dibakar Mondal, and Taylor Jais.
A special thank you to Marc Choi.
If you know, you know.
How can Eastern landscapes be created in a design system?