Key Call

The Design Problem Statement 

 “Design an interactive object that creates opportunities for physical communication without addictive features by providing visual feedback through light, sound, and touch.”

Project Goal 

Imagine a world where digital communication doesn’t take over your life. That was the idea behind KeyCall, which is a simple, wearable device designed to encourage mindful social interactions while promoting physical wellness. Unlike a phone, KeyCall only allows calling and texting. You can clip it onto your jeans, attach it to your water bottle, or slip it into your purse. It even has fidget buttons for those moments when your hands need something to do.

Process Concept

KeyCall is a versatile device that can be worn or clipped onto everyday objects, such as jeans, water bottles, or purses. The design integrates:

• Core communication: Calling and texting functions only

• Fidget interaction: Buttons to occupy hands and reduce stress

• Physical wellness prompts: Encourages activity after extended device use

The design philosophy focuses on simplicity, accessibility, and health-conscious interactions, ensuring usability for diverse audiences.

A Day with KeyCall: Process in Action

When Sarah wakes up, she clips KeyCall onto her bag. The device is subtle, yet instantly ready to support her day. Later, her friend calls. Instead of a blaring ringtone, a gentle yellow light glows, a soft vibration hums, and a calming alert tone plays enough to get her attention without startling her. Sarah answers and chats, knowing she’s not trapped in endless notifications. As the morning goes on, KeyCall quietly monitors usage. After a long call, a soft chime and voice prompt remind Sarah it’s time to take a break and move around. She gets up, stretches, and completes a daily fitness task, guided by the device’s motion sensor. Lights glow red with each movement, a timer tracks her progress, soft music plays, and a cheerful chime congratulates her when she finishes. As a reward, the fidget buttons light up, and she gets 30 minutes of texting time. Sarah smiles, feeling accomplished and healthy. Sometimes, she ignores the prompts. KeyCall gently warns her with faint beeps and messages that the device will restrict texting until she completes her activity teaching mindfulness without harsh penalties. Throughout the day, KeyCall supports her in other ways:

• Setting alarms lights up a yellow indicator, and the rings are subtle

• Engaging in mini light games gives her feedback with soft beeps and glowing buttons

• Speaking into the microphone triggers a yellow light, showing that the device is listening

User Interactions

1. Incoming Calls

Attention Interaction

• Input: User receives a call

• Output: Yellow light, gentle vibration, and soft alert music signal the incoming call

• Purpose: Captures user attention without being overwhelming

2. Physical Activity Reminder

Attention Interaction

• Input: User exceeds call duration limit

• Output: Soft warning chimes, pop-up message, and voice prompt alert users to complete their daily fitness task

• Purpose: Encourages breaks and promotes physical wellness

3. Fitness Task Completion

Status & Feedback Interaction

• Input: User accepts and completes a daily fitness task

• Output:

  • Motion sensor tracks activity and lights up red when movement is detected

  • The timer on the screen shows the remaining activity time

  • Soft music plays during the activity

  • Upon completion, a congratulatory message and chime are triggered

  • Reward: 30 minutes of texting time; buttons light up, lock icon unlocks

• Purpose: Provides feedback, motivates engagement, and reinforces healthy habits

4. Incomplete Fitness Task

Status & Attention Interaction

• Input: User ignores physical activity

• Output: Warning message and faint beeps indicate device will shut off; no texting reward is given

5. Alarms

Feedback & Attention Interaction

• Input: User sets an alarm

• Output: Yellow light indicates alarm set; grey light indicates inactive alarm

• Input: Alarm rings

• Output: Yellow light turns off when the alarm is dismissed

6. Light Game

Feedback Interaction

• Input: User presses buttons following on-screen prompts

• Output: Soft beeps and visual light feedback indicate correct button presses

7. Voice Input

Status Feedback

• Input: User speaks into the microphone

• Output: Yellow light indicates the microphone is active

Outcome & Solution

KeyCall encourages mindful communication while promoting physical wellness. Its simple design balances social interaction with tactile feedback, gamification, and wellness reminders, making digital engagement healthier and more intentional.

Reflection & Learnings

Integrating physical feedback with digital communication improves user awareness and reduces addictive behavior. Clear attention, status, and feedback interactions make the device intuitive. Designing for accessibility and wellness reinforces inclusive and meaningful user experiences.