Dhyana - Smart ring for meditation
Dhyana - Smart ring for meditation
Dhyana - Smart ring for meditation
Dhyana represents the world's first Heart Rate Variability (HRV) based meditation wearable and accompanying mobile application. This innovative ring device and intuitive app work together to provide real-time biometric feedback during meditation sessions.
The project aimed to bridge the gap between ancient mindfulness practices and modern technology, creating a seamless experience that builds user confidence while expanding meditation adoption beyond early technology adopters.
Dhyana represents the world's first Heart Rate Variability (HRV) based meditation wearable and accompanying mobile application. This innovative ring device and intuitive app work together to provide real-time biometric feedback during meditation sessions.
The project aimed to bridge the gap between ancient mindfulness practices and modern technology, creating a seamless experience that builds user confidence while expanding meditation adoption beyond early technology adopters.
Dhyana represents the world's first Heart Rate Variability (HRV) based meditation wearable and accompanying mobile application. This innovative ring device and intuitive app work together to provide real-time biometric feedback during meditation sessions.
The project aimed to bridge the gap between ancient mindfulness practices and modern technology, creating a seamless experience that builds user confidence while expanding meditation adoption beyond early technology adopters.
Years
Years
2019-2020
2019-2020
2019-2020
Role
Role
UI/UX Designer
UI/UX Designer
Scope
Scope
Product Strategy, UX/UI Design, Prototyping
Product Strategy, UX/UI Design, Prototyping
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
How might we make meditation technology accessible and trustworthy for mainstream users while maintaining the authenticity and effectiveness of traditional mindfulness practices?
How might we make meditation technology accessible and trustworthy for mainstream users while maintaining the authenticity and effectiveness of traditional mindfulness practices?
How might we make meditation technology accessible and trustworthy for mainstream users while maintaining the authenticity and effectiveness of traditional mindfulness practices?
SOLUTION
SOLUTION
SOLUTION
We grounded the entire design process in research and empathy. I focused on understanding meditation behaviours, simplifying complex biometric data, and building an interface that inspired confidence rather than anxiety. Every decision was guided by the goal of reducing friction and creating a sense of calm ownership. Through clear onboarding, warm visual language, and gentle feedback loops, a unified experience was designed where the hardware and app worked seamlessly together. This approach not only eased user skepticism but ultimately helped Dhyana grow from a niche prototype to an award-winning product embraced by a diverse community of meditators.
We grounded the entire design process in research and empathy. I focused on understanding meditation behaviours, simplifying complex biometric data, and building an interface that inspired confidence rather than anxiety. Every decision was guided by the goal of reducing friction and creating a sense of calm ownership. Through clear onboarding, warm visual language, and gentle feedback loops, a unified experience was designed where the hardware and app worked seamlessly together. This approach not only eased user skepticism but ultimately helped Dhyana grow from a niche prototype to an award-winning product embraced by a diverse community of meditators.
We grounded the entire design process in research and empathy. I focused on understanding meditation behaviours, simplifying complex biometric data, and building an interface that inspired confidence rather than anxiety. Every decision was guided by the goal of reducing friction and creating a sense of calm ownership. Through clear onboarding, warm visual language, and gentle feedback loops, a unified experience was designed where the hardware and app worked seamlessly together. This approach not only eased user skepticism but ultimately helped Dhyana grow from a niche prototype to an award-winning product embraced by a diverse community of meditators.
The real challenge was to create an experience that felt trustworthy, intuitive, and emotionally rewarding without undermining the spirit of mindfulness itself.
The real challenge was to create an experience that felt trustworthy, intuitive, and emotionally rewarding without undermining the spirit of mindfulness itself.
The real challenge was to create an experience that felt trustworthy, intuitive, and emotionally rewarding without undermining the spirit of mindfulness itself.
RESEARCH AND INSIGHTS
RESEARCH AND INSIGHTS
RESEARCH
Technology
Ventured into an in-depth understanding of the science of measuring mindfulness, how the ring works and the data that is programmed to monitor
Technology
Ventured into an in-depth understanding of the science of measuring mindfulness, how the ring works and the data that is programmed to monitor
Technology
Ventured into an in-depth understanding of the science of measuring mindfulness, how the ring works and the data that is programmed to monitor
Technology
Ventured into an in-depth understanding of the science of measuring mindfulness, how the ring works and the data that is programmed to monitor
User
User behaviour, pattern, demographic shifts, trends, take on mindfulness
User
User behaviour, pattern, demographic shifts, trends, take on mindfulness
User
User behaviour, pattern, demographic shifts, trends, take on mindfulness
User
User behaviour, pattern, demographic shifts, trends, take on mindfulness
Meditation
Different meditation practices, science behind mindfulness, effects on body, biology and mind
Meditation
Different meditation practices, science behind mindfulness, effects on body, biology and mind
Meditation
Different meditation practices, science behind mindfulness, effects on body, biology and mind
Meditation
Different meditation practices, science behind mindfulness, effects on body, biology and mind
Competitor Analysis
An in-depth content, user, design and user journey analysis of Calm and Headspace
Competitor Analysis
An in-depth content, user, design and user journey analysis of Calm and Headspace
Competitor Analysis
An in-depth content, user, design and user journey analysis of Calm and Headspace
Competitor Analysis
An in-depth content, user, design and user journey analysis of Calm and Headspace
RESEARCH
INSIGHTS
Make non-tangible, tangible
Make data more consumable. Convert monitored values into quantifiable mindful minutes also making the science behind a session more transparent
Make non-tangible, tangible
Make data more consumable. Convert monitored values into quantifiable mindful minutes also making the science behind a session more transparent
Make non-tangible, tangible
Make data more consumable. Convert monitored values into quantifiable mindful minutes also making the science behind a session more transparent
Make non-tangible, tangible
Make data more consumable. Convert monitored values into quantifiable mindful minutes also making the science behind a session more transparent
Gen Z & Millennials are growing up
Mental health becomes a global conversation leading to a rise in practices like meditation
Gen Z & Millennials are growing up
Mental health becomes a global conversation leading to a rise in practices like meditation
Gen Z & Millennials are growing up
Mental health becomes a global conversation leading to a rise in practices like meditation
Gen Z & Millennials are growing up
Mental health becomes a global conversation leading to a rise in practices like meditation
Meditation can be fun
Keeping the core tenets of meditation in tact, realised a session can be wrapped into something more fun, easy and relevant
Meditation can be fun
Keeping the core tenets of meditation in tact, realised a session can be wrapped into something more fun, easy and relevant
Meditation can be fun
Keeping the core tenets of meditation in tact, realised a session can be wrapped into something more fun, easy and relevant
Meditation can be fun
Keeping the core tenets of meditation in tact, realised a session can be wrapped into something more fun, easy and relevant
No goal, no gain
A goal-oriented approach drives motivation, retaining the user for a longer run
No goal, no gain
A goal-oriented approach drives motivation, retaining the user for a longer run
No goal, no gain
A goal-oriented approach drives motivation, retaining the user for a longer run
No goal, no gain
A goal-oriented approach drives motivation, retaining the user for a longer run
INSIGHTS
PROCESS
PROCESS
PROCESS
A structured yet flexible approach throughout the project, constantly refining our designs based on user insights and collaborative feedback. By working closely as a team and staying connected to meditators' real experiences, we ensured the final solution felt supportive, calming, and intuitive, enhancing mindfulness rather than disrupting it.
A structured yet flexible approach throughout the project, constantly refining our designs based on user insights and collaborative feedback. By working closely as a team and staying connected to meditators' real experiences, we ensured the final solution felt supportive, calming, and intuitive, enhancing mindfulness rather than disrupting it.
A structured yet flexible approach throughout the project, constantly refining our designs based on user insights and collaborative feedback. By working closely as a team and staying connected to meditators' real experiences, we ensured the final solution felt supportive, calming, and intuitive, enhancing mindfulness rather than disrupting it.
Target User & Persona
Target User & Persona
Target User & Persona
Corporate Millennials
Corporate Millennials
Corporate Millennials
Professional millennials working in corporate environments who are health-conscious, educated about mindfulness but lack the motivation to embrace it consistently. They seek convenient, science backed solutions that fit into their busy lifestyles.
Professional millennials working in corporate environments who are health-conscious, educated about mindfulness but lack the motivation to embrace it consistently. They seek convenient, science backed solutions that fit into their busy lifestyles.
Professional millennials working in corporate environments who are health-conscious, educated about mindfulness but lack the motivation to embrace it consistently. They seek convenient, science backed solutions that fit into their busy lifestyles.
Take for example, Shruthi - a persona I sketched out.
Take for example, Shruthi - a persona I sketched out.
Take for example, Shruthi - a persona I sketched out.
27, Works at Google, Bengaluru.
Has a disposable income of over a lakh a month.
Travels often to US for work.
The more the responsibilities, the more the pressure and stress.
Health conscious.
Educated about mindfulness but isn't motivated enough to embrace it.
Her colleagues are her friends, they frequently hangout at culturally happening cafes/places.
Has been into yoga on and off.
Is passionate about coffee and cooking.
27, Works at Google, Bengaluru.
Has a disposable income of over a lakh a month.
Travels often to US for work.
The more the responsibilities, the more the pressure and stress.
Health conscious.
Educated about mindfulness but isn't motivated enough to embrace it.
Her colleagues are her friends, they frequently hangout at culturally happening cafes/places.
Has been into yoga on and off.
Is passionate about coffee and cooking.
27, Works at Google, Bengaluru.
Has a disposable income of over a lakh a month.
Travels often to US for work.
The more the responsibilities, the more the pressure and stress.
Health conscious.
Educated about mindfulness but isn't motivated enough to embrace it.
Her colleagues are her friends, they frequently hangout at culturally happening cafes/places.
Has been into yoga on and off.
Is passionate about coffee and cooking.
Shruthi's introduced to dhyana via:
Shruthi's introduced to dhyana via:
Shruthi's introduced to dhyana via:
A brand activation workshop at Yogisthan Café.
Stumbles upon it on Amazon under the health & lifestyle category.
Discovers an ad on Instagram.
And, finally reaches the website.
Intrigued, she places an order.
This user journey analysis helped us understand the touchpoints and motivations that drive our target users to discover and eventually adopt Dhyana as part of their wellness routine.
A brand activation workshop at Yogisthan Café.
Stumbles upon it on Amazon under the health & lifestyle category.
Discovers an ad on Instagram.
And, finally reaches the website.
Intrigued, she places an order.
This user journey analysis helped us understand the touchpoints and motivations that drive our target users to discover and eventually adopt Dhyana as part of their wellness routine.
A brand activation workshop at Yogisthan Café.
Stumbles upon it on Amazon under the health & lifestyle category.
Discovers an ad on Instagram.
And, finally reaches the website.
Intrigued, she places an order.
This user journey analysis helped us understand the touchpoints and motivations that drive our target users to discover and eventually adopt Dhyana as part of their wellness routine.
Core experience
Core experience
Core experience
Understanding Shruthi's experience with the existing app to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement.
Understanding Shruthi's experience with the existing app to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement.
Understanding Shruthi's experience with the existing app to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement.
Problems
Problems
Problems
Shruthi was first faced with this.
Key Findings: 70% of users struggle with consistency.
Shruthi was first faced with this.
Key Findings: 70% of users struggle with consistency.
Shruthi was first faced with this.
Key Findings: 70% of users struggle with consistency.
Beta version of the app
Beta version of the app
Beta version of the app
The Home screen
is very limiting and uninviting. Lacks relevant information or background of any previous usage. Lacks motivation for the user to come back to the experience.
The Pick your session
experience imposes a challenging question that might not relate to every type of user.
The Session
experience disconnects the app from the product.
The Result
post-session doesn't last long as the user might not entirely understand the data presented. Leaving them with more questions unanswered.
The Home screen
is very limiting and uninviting. Lacks relevant information or background of any previous usage. Lacks motivation for the user to come back to the experience.
The Pick your session
experience imposes a challenging question that might not relate to every type of user.
The Session
experience disconnects the app from the product.
The Result
post-session doesn't last long as the user might not entirely understand the data presented. Leaving them with more questions unanswered.
The Home screen
is very limiting and uninviting. Lacks relevant information or background of any previous usage. Lacks motivation for the user to come back to the experience.
The Pick your session
experience imposes a challenging question that might not relate to every type of user.
The Session
experience disconnects the app from the product.
The Result
post-session doesn't last long as the user might not entirely understand the data presented. Leaving them with more questions unanswered.
The Story of a Daily Goal
The Story of a Daily Goal
The Story of a Daily Goal
Gamification and consistent motivation
Gamification and consistent motivation
Gamification and consistent motivation
Took a gamification approach for the home screen to motivate the user by setting a daily goal.
Keeps a track of the day's mindfulness activity.
A static menu with a play button that lets the user get started with meditation immediately at any part of their journey in the app.
Content Plays a Crucial Role
Content Plays a Crucial Role
Content Plays a Crucial Role
Personalised session curation experience
Personalised session curation experience
Personalised session curation experience
Pick your session experience presents the user with choice, a topic that anyone would be able to relate to.
Replacing a challenging question with context, this experience caters to beginners, amateurs and experts all alike.
Pick your session experience presents the user with choice, a topic that anyone would be able to relate to.
Replacing a challenging question with context, this experience caters to beginners, amateurs and experts all alike.
Pick your session experience presents the user with choice, a topic that anyone would be able to relate to.
Replacing a challenging question with context, this experience caters to beginners, amateurs and experts all alike.
The Ring Plays Protagonist
The Ring Plays Protagonist
The Ring Plays Protagonist
Seamless hardware-software integration
Seamless hardware-software integration
Seamless hardware-software integration
A live biofeedback from the ring, letting the user know how well its monitoring their session.
A mindwave that lets the user visualise their mind.
A visual breakdown of a meditation session.
A live biofeedback from the ring, letting the user know how well its monitoring their session.
A mindwave that lets the user visualise their mind.
A visual breakdown of a meditation session.
A live biofeedback from the ring, letting the user know how well its monitoring their session.
A mindwave that lets the user visualise their mind.
A visual breakdown of a meditation session.
Revamping Data & Result
Revamping Data & Result
Revamping Data & Result
Meaningful analytics and progress insights
Meaningful analytics and progress insights
Meaningful analytics and progress insights
The result now presents the user with useful and understandable information of how they faired during the session.
A before & after values of heart rate along with quick bites of achievements gives the user a sense of instant gratification.
A detailed trend of the user's breathing, relaxation and focus during the session.
The result now presents the user with useful and understandable information of how they faired during the session.
A before & after values of heart rate along with quick bites of achievements gives the user a sense of instant gratification.
A detailed trend of the user's breathing, relaxation and focus during the session.
The result now presents the user with useful and understandable information of how they faired during the session.
A before & after values of heart rate along with quick bites of achievements gives the user a sense of instant gratification.
A detailed trend of the user's breathing, relaxation and focus during the session.
which can be shared, saved or accessed later from their profile.
which can be shared, saved or accessed later from their profile.
which can be shared, saved or accessed later from their profile.
Design Solution Validation
Design Solution Validation
Design Solution Validation
Solution Validation
Solution Validation
Solution Validation
Built structured UX leaving room and research material for further updates, expanding on gamification to begin with.
A similar UX is being adapted for other verticals of dhyana like dhyana for sports and dhyana lite for freebies.
Design Validation
Design Validation
Design Validation
Worked in an Agile way to push an update every two weeks. Involved the user right from. the beginning, iterating constantly and investing in user testing and customer feedback through:
• Brand activation exercises
• Workshops with the Marketing team
• Newsletters and re-branding to existing users
Design Solution Impact
Design Solution Impact
Design Solution Impact
The platform can deliver significant improvements in customer understanding, decision-making speed, and business outcomes across all user segments.
The platform can deliver significant improvements in customer understanding, decision-making speed, and business outcomes across all user segments.
The platform can deliver significant improvements in customer understanding, decision-making speed, and business outcomes across all user segments.
Beyond UX: Creating a Complete Experience
Beyond UX: Creating a Complete Experience
Beyond UX: Creating a Complete Experience
Dhyana has won the prestigious iFDesign Award 2020 for the wearable and mobile app, honoured by the international iF Jury calling the winning entries as one of the best designs of the year.
Dhyana has won the prestigious iFDesign Award 2020 for the wearable and mobile app, honoured by the international iF Jury calling the winning entries as one of the best designs of the year.
Crafting Mindful Soundscapes
Crafting Mindful Soundscapes
Crafting Mindful Soundscapes
Collaborated closely with the sound designer for meditation sessions' for the app, curating calming music, ambient sounds, and professional voice recordings to foster an immersive, relaxing experience.
By exploring scientific research and mindfulness techniques, ensuring every session was evidence based, relatable, and genuinely supportive of users' well-being.
Collaborated closely with the sound designer for meditation sessions' for the app, curating calming music, ambient sounds, and professional voice recordings to foster an immersive, relaxing experience.
By exploring scientific research and mindfulness techniques, ensuring every session was evidence based, relatable, and genuinely supportive of users' well-being.
I worked directly with renowned badminton coach and Olympian, Pullela Gopichand, to design specialised mindfulness programs tailored specifically to athletes and high-performance users.
I worked directly with renowned badminton coach and Olympian, Pullela Gopichand, to design specialised mindfulness programs tailored specifically to athletes and high-performance users.
Engagement and Development
Engagement and Development
Engagement and Development
The innovative nature of Dhyana attracted media coverage, allowing us to amplify our story across multiple platforms and establish broader awareness and credibility.
The innovative nature of Dhyana attracted media coverage, allowing us to amplify our story across multiple platforms and establish broader awareness and credibility.
Business Development and Strategic Communication
Business Development and Strategic Communication
Business Development and Strategic Communication
I actively participated in B2B meetings, articulating the product vision clearly and effectively to stakeholders and potential partners.
I actively participated in B2B meetings, articulating the product vision clearly and effectively to stakeholders and potential partners.
Contributed directly to developing marketing initiatives and strategies, positioning Dhyana as a credible, trustworthy, and impactful solution within the wellness and meditation communities.
Contributed directly to developing marketing initiatives and strategies, positioning Dhyana as a credible, trustworthy, and impactful solution within the wellness and meditation communities.