SlumberShip
Designed with Maeve Whelan
Winner of 2023 IDI Graduate Awards under the categories Product Design and Collaboration Design
SlumberShip, redefines bedtime routines by helping children establish a consistent and enjoyable bedtime ritual. Guardians can assign their young ones five simple tasks to complete before bedtime. As each task is successfully accomplished, the child places the ball in its slot, experiencing the magical moment of it lighting up in acknowledgment. When all five balls are carefully placed, SlumberShip transforms into a soothing nightlight, casting a gentle ambiance that paves the way for a restful night’s sleep.
01
Design Challenge
The idea for SlumberShip was born from a deep empathy for the bedtime challenges that children and parents universally face. When we reminisced about our own restless nights as children, it sparked heartfelt conversations with our loved ones. These discussions brought to light the real challenges of establishing a consistent bedtime routine, and how the lack of sleep affected both guardian and child, creating stressful environments and impacting everyone's mental health. This realisation deeply moved us to create something meaningful, hoping to make bedtime a more peaceful and nurturing experience for families everywhere.
02
Research
The design process for SlumberShip lasted three weeks, focusing initially on the concept of "rituals" and then narrowing down to bedtime routines for children. Conversations with parents and co-creation sessions with children helped refine our focus.
Starting with sketches and cardboard prototypes, we quickly translated ideas into tangible forms to explore concepts and functionalities. Two satisfactory prototypes emerged, tested with guardians and children to gather insights and preferences, crucial for final design decisions.
We then progressed to 3D CAD models, meticulously designing with child-friendly principles. Iterative improvements were made based on continuous testing and feedback, enhancing user interaction and features. Initial prototypes focused on shape and interaction, evolving to include detailed features like ring light LEDs and light sensors.
An Arduino board was programmed to control lights, including a final globe light activated when all five balls are in place. Throughout, our goal remained making SlumberShip engaging and easy for children to use, from sketches to cardboard models to refined prototypes. This approach ensured a final product that transforms bedtime into a positive, calming ritual.
03
Building SlumberShip
Building SlumberShip involved a mix of technology and design to ensure it’s child-friendly and easy to use. We made the shell by creating a mould with a CNC machine, then using ABS plastic to form a durable and smooth outer layer.
At the heart of SlumberShip is an Arduino board, a small computer that we programmed to control the lights and sensors. The interactive part includes ring light LEDs connected to light sensors. When a child places a ball on a slot, the sensor detects it and lights up. Once all five balls are in place, the Arduino triggers the main globe light to create a soothing glow.
We focused on making SlumberShip simple and engaging for kids, ensuring that the technology enhances the bedtime routine without being complicated. This combination of careful coding, precise manufacturing, and thoughtful design ensures that SlumberShip is both fun and functional, making bedtime a pleasant experience for children.
04
Final Outcome
SlumberShip is a playful night light with 5 interactive balls. The balls represent bed time tasks. Once a task is complete and returned, it lights up the slot in acknowledgment. When all 5 balls are placed, it transforms into a soothing night light, encouraging a tranquil ambiance bed time for a restful night’s sleep. A delightful solution merging functionality and enchantment in bedtime routines.
The Impact
SlumberShip brings joy to bedtime for parents and children alike. With interactive tasks and magical illuminations, kids learn responsibility and positive sleep habits. For parents, it simplifies bedtime, encouraging engagement and creating a tranquil nightly ritual that strengthens family bonds and overall household harmony.