Embracing Design Thinking

When I joined Intel in late 2014 as a software engineer on the Smart Device Innovation team, I knew I was in for an exciting ride. Our goal was to create tradeshow demos highlighting Intel’s technologies; my first project was no exception. We need to create a breathing sensor for a robotic garment and showcase it at the 2014 IDF. Little did I know, this project would not only push the boundaries of technology but also test my design thinking skills.

I had the privilege of working alongside Anouk Wipprecht, a fashion-tech pioneer. Our goal was to create a wearable technology that was both inconspicuous and intuitive while preserving the overall design of the dress. The dress was to be worn by a runway model and demoed on stage in real time, so we needed to make sure it was comfortable and easy to wear.

The first step in our process was understanding the problem we were trying to solve. We asked ourselves questions like: How do we breathe? How do we quantify breathing? What is the difference between resting and hyper breathing? What happens to our bodies in these situations? We also considered external factors influencing breathing, such as washing and resting. After identifying the problem, the next step was to explore potential solutions and interactions.

We looked at how our bodies change as we breathe and sensors to track this movement. We experimented with sensors such as force-sensitive resistors and conductive stretch sensors. We also considered the potential challenges of measuring diaphragm movement and making broad generalizations about breathing patterns.

We had a few setbacks, but we didn’t let that discourage us. We built a testing plan over a week and swiftly tested ideas to prove our hypothesis. We then selected the best solution and pushed it under all scenarios. The dress needed to be comfortable and easy to wear, and it had to work as intended.

Finally, we iterated on the physical design of the prototype, incorporating feedback and making adjustments as necessary. The final product was a beautiful and functional dress that innovatively showcased Intel’s technology. The skirt looked great on the runway and received positive feedback from the audience.

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/intel-wearables-idf-edison-mica,27713.html

Looking back, I realize that the key to software engineering success is approaching problems with an empathetic and creative mindset. By understanding the problem, exploring potential solutions, and iterating on the design, we were able to create a wearable technology that genuinely pushed the boundaries of what was possible at the time. The experience was not only rewarding but also taught me valuable lessons on design thinking that I still use today.