Leaf Inspired Sleep Speaker
Folia is a complete sleep system inspired by nature’s calming influence. The leaf-inspired design blends functionality and form to create a calming presence in the room, enhancing the sleep experience. Unlike traditional sleep audio solutions, Folia uses directional speakers to create a focused audio zone, only audible inline with the speaker. This allows for a comfortable and non-disruptive sleep experience for shared spaces.
Folia supports a healthy sleep routine by reminding you when it’s time to wind down, helping you fall asleep with soothing sounds, and waking you up gently with gradual light and sound.
Year
Fall 2024
Timeline
10 Weeks
Insomnia is a leading cause and continues to rise each year.
52% of adults already use sleep audio regularly to fall asleep
Sleep Audio Use: Headspace app with ear buds
Frequency of use: Occasional use when stressed, could use more often if more comfortable.
Challenges: Wakes up after 4-5 hours, struggles to return to sleep.
Desired Features: Comfortable for side-sleeping.Wake-up reset
Sleep Audio Use: AM/FM radio with earbuds.
Frequency of use: Uses audio every night, including naps.
Challenges: Stress impacts falling asleep, being present when his partner is falling asleep.
Desired Features: Sleep cycle monitoring to auto fade-out.
Sleep Audio Use: Soothing music, audio books on speaker, sometimes headphones
Frequency of use: Uses audio every night, and during midnight wakes ups
Challenges: Overactive mind, waking up due to dreams or noise, getting audio to play
Desired Features: multi-directional sound to accommodate hearing loss, customizable music options.
+ Does not disrupt for others
- Uncomfortable
+ No wearables needed
- Position sensitive
- Can compromise pillow comfort
+ No wearables needed
- May disturb others
Directional speakers use an array of tiny speakers to emit ultrasound, which travels in a tightly focused beam. When these high-frequency waves encounter an object such as a person, they distort and convert into lower-frequency, audible sound waves.
+Targeted audio zone
+Does not disturb others
Should enhance sleep quality without compromising physical comfort.
Should provide a personal experience, ensuring it does not disturb others in the room.
Should support a consistent bedtime routine by aiding both sleep and wakefulness.
Ideation began with AI exploration, followed by CAD development, sketching, and physical mockups.
Hanging/Bedroom light
Wall or ceiling moount
Bed headboard mount
Stand mount
Night stand
The initial CAD ideation explored versatility in orientation and mounting options. However, this approach came at the cost of form, simplicity, and usability.
Product’s form needed to inherently communicate calmness and relaxation.
Nature is known for it calming and relaxing physiological effects.
The loss of connection to nature in the modern world is theorized to have contributed to an increased in insomnia.
Folia is a sleep speaker inspired by nature’s calming presence allowing you to reconnect with the sounds that soothe.
Control Folia with you phone and/or nightstand remote (In development)
More coming soon...
