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Exhibition Wall Text :

Harmonize: The Stress-Responsive Water Dispenser
Year: 2023
Artist: Juhi Kedia

Materials: Plywood, PLA, electrical components (microcontroller, wires, push button, peristaltic motors, rotary encoder), mechanical components (ball bearings, screws, thread) 

"Harmonize" is an innovative intersection of art, technology, and wellness. This unique water dispenser is designed as an operationalized metaphor for stress management in the modern, fast-paced world. Users interact with the device by sliding inputs based on their current personal and professional stress levels. The machine uses a mechanical adder system with pulleys and linear displacements to quantify these inputs. The sum of the displacements is then processed through a rotary encoder, controlling the water pumps to dispense hot or cold water, in accordance with the user's stress level. This intuitive and therapeutic experience draws from traditional beliefs and modern wellness practices, where hot water soothes and relaxes, and cold water revitalizes and energizes.

"Harmonize" not only exemplifies the blending of analog mechanics with digital computation but also promotes self-reflection and mindfulness. This project, a blend of artistic creativity and technical ingenuity, marks a step towards a future where technology harmonizes with personal wellness.

Process Reflection : 

Reflecting on the evolution of "Harmonize: The Stress-Responsive Water Dispenser," it's evident that the journey from conception to the second iteration has been both challenging and enlightening. The project, at its core, intertwines art, technology, and wellness, offering a unique platform where stress management transcends traditional methods to become a tactile and visual experience. This process reflection aims to delve into the nuances of this journey, focusing not just on the technicalities but also on the learning curve and the impact of user engagement.

The initial phase of the project was primarily about bringing a conceptual vision to life. This stage was characterized by a blend of excitement and uncertainty. The challenge lay in materializing the abstract idea of stress visualization through mechanical and digital interfaces. The first hurdle was integrating mechanical components like the slider and pulley system. Achieving precision in stress measurement while maintaining a user-friendly interface was daunting yet rewarding. The process taught me the intricacies of mechanical design and the importance of ergonomic considerations in product development.

In its second iteration, "Harmonize: The Stress-Responsive Water Dispenser" underwent significant enhancements in both functionality and aesthetics, building upon its initial foundation. This phase involved the replacement of silicon tubes with food-safe materials, ensuring safety and hygiene, along with a structural redesign for increased sturdiness and user-friendliness. The sliders were innovatively redesigned with ergonomic wooden knobs, significantly enhancing user interaction. Alongside these improvements, a custom-designed scale was introduced, enabling users to intuitively map out their perceived stress levels. This scale was a response to user feedback, making the device more accessible and aligning closely with Harmonize's core purpose of tangible and interactive stress management. These modifications, though seemingly minor, collectively transformed the user experience, effectively balancing aesthetic appeal with functional integrity and user-centric design. 

The expansion of "Harmonize: The Stress-Responsive Water Dispenser" to a new site with a significantly larger user base profoundly influenced both the project's evolution and my perception of its impact. This wider exposure introduced a diverse range of user interactions, feedback, and perspectives, playing a crucial role in shaping the project's direction and my growth as a designer and innovator. One of the most striking realizations from this experience was the variety of interpretations and expectations that different users had towards Harmonize. In contrast to the more uniform feedback received in a limited setting, the broader user base revealed a vast array of responses, often unexpected and enlightening. This variety underscored the importance of incorporating a wide spectrum of user experiences and preferences into the design process. It served as a crucial lesson in the value of inclusivity and adaptability in product design, particularly in projects that intersect technology, art, and wellness.

Moreover, the larger audience provided a unique opportunity to witness the real-world impact of Harmonize. Observing how users interacted with the device, their reactions, and listening to their stories about its influence on their stress management routines was incredibly insightful. These interactions offered a concrete sense of the project’s relevance and effectiveness, which was both satisfying and motivating. Seeing firsthand how the fusion of technology and art within Harmonize could significantly affect individual well-being deepened my understanding of its potential. This experience not only validated the project’s concept but also reinforced the belief that harmoniously blending technology and art can create meaningful and impactful experiences in personal wellness.

In conclusion, the journey of reiterating Harmonize has been a blend of technical challenges, design refinement, and user-centric modifications. What began as a complex integration of mechanics and digital computation evolved into a more intuitive and user-friendly device. The process taught me the value of precision, the importance of user feedback, and the need for continual improvement. It's a testament to the evolving nature of technology and its potential to harmonize with personal wellness in a fast-paced world. This project not only enhanced my technical skills but also broadened my perspective on the impact of user experience in technology design.