Jiayu Lin - MADA NOW 2021 - Art, Design and Architecture

My name is Jiayu Lin. Whenever I see a bad design, I think about how to improve it. Nyctophobia is actually more common than we think, with an estimated 11 percent of the U.S. population afraid of the dark. And I have nyctophobia so I hope to help others like me to overcome it. I know that people don't like to stay in the dark. For us, the most important thing is gradual planning and a safe environment. So I designed a series of hug pillows for each user with different habits. Through sound and planning, effective relief and help users overcome it. The hug pillows have a built-in Bluetooth to be remotely controlled by users' phones to ensure sound quality, controlled by tapping.

SafeHug pillow is what

The SafeHug pillow can build a sense of security for users. And users can tap the pillow's built-in Bluetooth to control the phone and play music.

Sketch development

Based on people's sleeping posture and usage habits, I improved the pillow and charging method again and again. While embracing the pillow, we are also thinking about how to make people feel more secure. In order to facilitate people's charging and the use experience of the pillow, I adopted the way of wireless charging, through magnetic absorption and fast charging. Wireless charger keeps ergonomic shape for users to hold easily.

A series of SafuHug pillow

I designed a range of throw pillows for users to choose from. There are dolphins, elephants, geese and lions. Dolphins are characterised by long and thin tails, which are easy for people to clamp with their feet. Elephants can help users to feel safe by holding their noses and covering users faces with their ears without causing problems such as breathing difficulties. The wings of the goose can be well covered around the users, as the mother holds the baby. For the lion pillow, users can hug one side and cover by the two sides to obtain a sense of security. Each SafeHug pillow has its own unique characteristics.

Nyctophobia App

Users need an App to implement the plan, allowing users to get used to the surroundings by lowering the volume each day. And through the test, users can understand their fear level. Through recording and analysis, users can know what imagination will lead them to start to fear, so as to better avoid it in the future. When people are in the dark, group chats can help users relax by listening to people's voices. Users can be the talker or the listener. Multi-gesture operation custom Settings, can help users randomly switch the set third-party apps and nyctophobia App, convenient for users to use.

Logo & Packaging

I hope the logo gives users the impression of a mutual hug. The SafuHug pillow was hugging me as I was hugging it. And in the package, I will use energy-saving and environmentally friendly packaging, reducing the use of plastic bags and Cardboard.

SafeHug pillow

Linda suffers from insomnia due to nyctophobia, which affects her life and work. Linda bought the SafeHug pillow, as recommended by a colleague. After receiving the product, Linda followed the instructions to connect the pillow to its app. She also did tests to ensure that there were no problems with the product. At night, Linda began to use the pillow and felt very secure when she hugged it. With the sound of the group chat, Linda fell asleep quickly. Over two months, the sound became quieter every day, with Linda feeling less afraid of the dark. After three months, Linda had almost overcome her fear of night and noticed that she was working much more efficiently than before.