Concept 1 - Glove Design
Test Resultinterfered with regular workflow, particularly for bartending staff
Physical Product Design
Sony Bubble
A wearable point-of-sale device for hospitality workers that filters background noise to improve communication between waitstaff and customers and displays orders in real time to prevent miscommunication during order-taking.
01
Overview
Project Outcome
Developed a high-fidelity appearance model after testing three iterative prototypes, developing a 13-piece component list ready for future manufacturing
Project Information
- Role
- Product Designer
- Team
- Individual Project
- Focus
- User Research & Testing, Sketching & Prototyping, 3D Printing
- Users
- Hospitality staff · Patrons
Problem Statement
High noise levels in restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs can make communication between hospitality staff and customers difficult, leading to misunderstandings, inefficient service and a poorer customer experience.
Product Requirements
- Wearable, non-bulky, and lightweight
- Multisensory design features to tackle multiple issues at once
- Micro-electronic components to be integrated for manufacturing and assembly
- Explore Sony-inspired audio technology as a concept direction
Research Insights
- 01
Waitstaff and customers must raise their voices to communicate effectively in busy restaurants and bars (where sound pressure can reach 90 dB and above)
- 02
Existing order processes include minimal order confirmation due to positive feedback loop of noise breeding noise
- 03
Waitstaff constantly move from front-of-house to back-of-house, hence portability and wearability is necessary
02
Concept Development
Concept 2 - Armband Design
Test Resultnot easily visible to patron during service
Concept 3 - Clip Design
Test Resultdetachable functionality added, allows regular workflow, visible to patron, but too heavy for clip attachment
Concept 4 - Belt Design
Test Resultwearable, non-bulky, and lightweight
Final Prototype and User Journey
A mid-fidelity 3D-printed prototype supported refinement of overall size, the belt structure and remaining components. The appearance model was resolved with a 13-piece component list for future manufacturing.
03
Final Product
A wearable point-of-sale concept combining proposed directional audio, real-time order display, Bluetooth connectivity and USB-C charging, resolved as a high-fidelity appearance model.
