Overview
Luxury Escapism is a relaxing space in DUMBO that provides wellness experiences made of digital and immersive media.
Challenge
The Founder of Luxury Escapism asked Joylabo Collective to augment their makeshift bathroom into something that remains its functionality but aligns with their brand principle “Oddly Satisfying”.
My Role
Interaction Designer
Team
Platform
Interactive installation
Timeline
September-November 2019, 3 months
Constraint
1. Due to the limitations of the basement structure and resources, the space is currently not fully ADA compliant.
2. The minimum age to enter the space is 16.
3. No phone usage during the 2 hour session.
4. For the immediate brand launch, Luxury Escapism is primarily focusing on providing their service to the art and tech community.
Problems
1. Easy to identity the entrance yet lacks privacy as it is open to the rest of the floor with poor sound proofing.
2. Consists a jacuzzi whirlpool that is not usable.
3. Interior lacks personality.
Persona
Experience Mapping
Ideation
Based on our journey map and observed pain points, we then conducted two timed ideation sessions on possible solutions to improve user experience and achieve Luxury Escapism’s business objectives.
Design
User enters the hallway which is part of the onboarding experience that resembles being in an airplane. User then enters the bathroom, locks the door and the light turns on — the room not only contains a toilet and a sink but also a floating cloud and ambient rain sound in the background. User turns on the sink faucet to wash his/her hands — thunder emerges and the cloud “rains”. User exits the bathroom and is accompanied by a rainbow on the way out.
Prototyping, Making and Testing
Within two months of production, we rapidly prototyped, built and conducted user testing to ensure what we were making not only resonate with us but also our users and client.
Style Reference
The Result
From entering the hallway to inside the bathroom, we created an interactive experience that highlights different aspects of being up in the air. We transformed the hallway into the interior of an airplane with windows looking into the sky, created a fluffy cloud floating above the bathtub and built whimsical light and sound interactions through the door lock and sink faucet. As a final surprise, a rainbow appears when exiting the bathroom.
Video edited by Maï Arakida Izsak
Feedback
Positives
Multiple users reported saying they felt “calm, relaxed, and inspired”
In other words, it is the coolest bathroom they have ever seen.
Most users said they were surprised yet delighted by the interactive element of the bathroom.
Problems
When the door is not locked all the way, lights still switches on but rain animation and ambient sound are off.
Thunder sound and rain animation only emerge when cold water is turned on.
Possible Solution
Include visual cues to signify whether the door is locked all the way.
Automate interactions if the door lock and sink faucet weren’t operated as anticipated.
