Sleep Design
For most of the pandemic my sleep schedule has gone off the rails for one reason or another. Which in turn made me feel like I’m always playing catch up on my design work. This is where I started thinking about how I can track my own user experience in life and improve what has been going on.
In college for my final project, I created a live video wall experience at a nightclub in Savannah. The concept was naptime. I collected and created visuals around the idea of relaxing and taking a moment to stop and breathe. It was designed to promote good health. The logo was a cloud based on the red cross logo. A plus sign floating and taking you away to dreamland. The imagery included ocean waves, a light breeze through the grass, people yawning, and text reinforcing the idea that you should take a break. Chill music like Thievery Corporation accompanied the visuals while club goers sat at the bar or lounge cushions. It was a success, people really liked the vibe, and the club filled up. As a result I got to play an extra hour. Oh, I also graduated.
That was many years ago now. Maybe it’s time to resurrect the project into something people can use. I know there’s a lot of different time management apps out there, as well as apps that take the blue light out of your screens, and apps that lock away your other apps, the list goes on and on. The fact is, this technology is addictive. Maybe the answer isn’t another digital app, but something else outside of the screen to help remind you of the importance to step away. I know there isn’t something that universally helps everyone with getting enough sleep. But really I want to focus on my own experience with sleep before trying to help others. Just brainstorming here. I’m sure there’s books written about this that I need to research.
Ok, personally, I have tried to brute force changing my sleep schedule a few times. It has worked once or twice. It has also back fired a few times as well. I think a new gradual approach may need to be put to the test. Tracking this information will be crucial to the success of getting onto a proper sleep schedule. Maybe that’s where naptime can come in. An app that tracks sleep as well as gives positive reinforcement. Although I think it should only track, I don’t think it should have pop up notifications. That would detract from its purpose. It’s ultimately something that has to be used with self discipline. I don’t think everything should be completely solved with technology. I think that’s where a lot of these problems stem from.
In closing, there’s something to explore here, but I want it to exist in a non addictive humane way. Something to use if you need it, but not built for you to rely on. A tool. This needs more research, thought, and asking others how they deal with sleep problems. Till next time, I hope you have sweet dreams.