The Sunshine Serenity Helmet

Overview

The Sunshine Serenity Helmet is an iterative maker project designed to explore the connection between technology, design, and well-being through the lens of Critical Making and DIY design strategies.

Our objective was to create a functional prototype that helps relieve stress and combat seasonal depression (SAD) by recreating a warm, sunny, and sensory environment indoors.

Team

UX Designers: Reshmi Akanda, Ilhan Benli, Alia Bibi, and myself

Concept Summary

The Sunshine Serenity Helmet aims to simulate the feeling of being outdoors on a sunny day, helping users improve mood, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with nature from the comfort of their home.

Key Features

Simulated Sunlight: A soft light source mimicking natural sunlight to support circadian rhythm and boost serotonin.

Soothing Nature Audio: Built-in audio emitting calming nature sounds for relaxation.

Temperature Control: A small fan or heater that creates a gentle, warm breeze.

Aromatherapy Integration: A compartment for essential oils to promote calmness and sensory balance.

Comfort-Focused Design: Lightweight structure, internal cushioning, and neck support for long wear.

Dual Purpose: When not worn, the helmet transforms into a functional lamp, serving as a warm, ambient addition to any room.Sustainable Power: A solar panel on top powers the device, reducing environmental impact.

Addressing a Social Issue

The Sunshine Serenity Helmet addresses mental health challenges, particularly seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and stress-related symptoms that occur during darker winter months.

By combining light therapy, sound, temperature, and scent, the design recreates a summer like atmosphere a multi sensory experience that can lift mood and improve emotional well-being.

This project demonstrates how DIY and critical making can be used not just for creativity, but also as a form of social and emotional care.

Design Process

The process focused on iteration, comfort, and multifunctionality. Early brainstorming led to the integration of neck support for comfort and dual usability, as both a wearable device and a lamp.

Key Steps:

1. Ideation: Defined core goals and functions based on course readings on Critical Making and DIY design philosophy.

   
   

2. Sketching and Prototyping: Created multiple concept sketches exploring size, form, and sensory placement.

   
   

3. Testing Feasibility: Considered material limitations and assembly constraints while maintaining user comfort.

   
   

4. Physical Prototype: Despite limited resources, we produced a physical model that demonstrated the concept’s core functions, usability, and emotional impact.

Prototype

The working prototype visualized the functionality and multisensory experience at the heart of the design. Despite limited materials, it successfully conveyed the concept’s intent and potential to improve well-being.

Reflection and Next Steps

Through this project, I learned how critical making bridges creativity, social awareness, and emotional design. The iterative process revealed the value of hands on prototyping for discovering new insights about comfort, usability, and user empathy.

If given more time or resources, the next steps would include:

• Testing light and sound intensity to optimize relaxation without overstimulation

• Integrating smart controls, such as app-based adjustments for sound, light, and warmth

• Exploring alternative sustainable materials for comfort and energy efficiency

  
  

The Sunshine Serenity Helmet embodies the idea that design can be both healing and human centered, using accessible materials and creative thinking to make a real emotional difference.