Wearable Design
Folding Fan-Inspired Wearable for Social Expression
This project introduces a wearable wristband inspired by the traditional folding fan, designed to support real-time emotional expression and social personality display. Users can control how much of their personality is shared in different environments — helping them find balance between authenticity and social comfort. Paired with an app, the wristband provides insights, personalization, and AI-assisted interactions for meaningful connections.
Social Wearable Device
Project type
Wearable Device Design
Mobile UX/UI Design
My role
UX/UI Designer
Product Designer
Solo Designer
Sep – Nov 2024
Inspiration
I started this project inspired by the communication gaps I often observed in social interactions. Many people struggle to express their true selves or feel awkward during first-time meetings. I wanted to create a wearable device that empowers users to selectively present their personality and adjust their social mode for more comfortable connections.
Design Concept
This wristband enables users to express their individuality while adapting to different social settings.
The ergonomic circular shape ensures comfort for long wear and symbolizes unity.
The fan-shaped display, now a customizable screen, allows users to modify its colors, patterns, and designs via the wristband or app.
It tracks habits, emotions, and personality traits, giving users control over their self-presentation and allowing them to adjust how much personal information they share in various social contexts.
This design bridges the gap between their inner self and outward interactions.
Process
Phenomenon: People often struggle to truly understand themselves and others in social settings. Existing social apps tend to focus on content sharing and surface-level interactions (likes, comments), offering limited control over how users express their personality. There is a growing need for authentic connections, emotional self-awareness, and adaptive self-presentation tools. .
Real-life Social Scenarios & Challenges
Workplace Networking
Struggle: Difficulty adapting to formal settings while maintaining professionalism.
Friends Gatherings
Struggle: Switching between different personas for different friend groups causes discomfort.
Community Events & Festivals
Struggle: Hard to build meaningful connections in large crowds; feelings of isolation.
Weddings / Birthdays / Major Events
Struggle: Navigating different relationship levels (close vs. distant) feels awkward.
Study Groups / Classes
Struggle: Shyness in group settings limits participation and presence.
Cultural Events (Concerts, Exhibitions)
Struggle: Quiet environments make it hard to initiate social interaction.
User Research & Interview Insights
I interviewed 6 individuals (ages 25–35) working in marketing, UX design, and tech. Many expressed challenges in balancing authenticity with social expectations across different environments.
Key Insights
Need to toggle between personas depending on the setting
Desire for preset social modes to save time and reduce anxiety
Tools should be intuitive and lightweight for real-time usage
Persona
Solution
Based on the research insights, I proposed a solution that centers on adaptability and self-expression in social contexts. The wearable wristband and its companion app work together to help users manage how they present themselves across different environments. By combining behavioral tracking with a customizable visual interface, the device allows users to switch social modes, control what they share, and stay aligned with their authentic selves. This lays the foundation for a more human-centered interaction design—one that evolves with the user’s emotional and social needs.
Sketch
Blender
Flows
“Bridging who you are and how you connect — one interaction at a time.”
Conclusion
This project began with a simple question: How can we stay authentic in a world that constantly asks us to adapt? Through research, interviews, and iterations, I explored how technology can support not just connection — but meaningful, emotionally aware connection.
Designing this wearable wasn’t just about form and function. It was about empathy, identity, and giving users control over their presence in different social spaces. This journey helped me grow not only as a designer, but also as a storyteller — someone who uses design to help people navigate the complexity of being human.
Contact Me
© 2025 Selina Yang. All rights reserved.
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