(click phone)
The U-Tooth
A tooth which translates language in real time as the user speaks
What: UX/UI & Product Design Timeline: Oct 2023 - Dec 2023 Role: Designer Tools: Figma, 3D Printing, Arduino
Research Objectives
Prompt
Create a product which exists in a future version of our current world
Embody the essence of the Sci-fi genre through inspiration and function
Imagine technology that does not exist
Design Process
Research & Synthesize
I spent the month of September identifying daily issues I experience, and creating “How might we…” statements. I categorized over 15 ideas into utopian and dystopian worlds, imaging what products could exist in a future reality. Three common thread appeared:
Connection Humanity Communication
It only felt right to emphasize the benefit of designing for human connection the ways in which design can shape a better world.
How might we create a product which inspires human connection and communication in a post-apocalyptic world?
Finalize
I settled on creating The U-Tooth, a tooth which translates language in real time as it’s user speaks.
The tooth is implanted into a user’s mouth to replace a molar. The tooth will glow when it is activated, making it clear when the tooth is translating to another language. There will be an accompanying app, allowing users to create an account, set preferences, and select languages.
Architecture & UX Design
I began with creating low fidelity wireframes and basic user flows in Figma.
The Physical Tooth
3D Printed + Arduino circuit board
The U-tooth translates language in real time. When the tooth is activated and translating, it will glow blue (or whichever color the user sets in their app.
Here, I am activating the tooth with tapping sounds.
Not in use
(click tooth)
When voice activated
Main Takeaways
What I Learned
How to imagine a world that does not (yet) exist and to anticipate it’s member’s needs
Applying imaginary science to technology that I can design today, while conveying an relatable story
How to think of, prototype, brand, and create a product: working through a complete end-to-end design process