Aidee

The initial idea was inspired by the work carried out to preserve the health of astronauts on missions to Mars. The assessment of their physiological state is based on complete monitoring, involving not only external sensors, but also biochemical measurements on a bodily fluid. And unlike blood, which requires invasive sampling, urine is readily available. However, the relationship we have with our bodily fluids is often difficult.

Two years of observation and creation allowed us to explore approaches able to give the data an expressive quality, but also a more tangible dimension. The EPFL+ECAL Lab has designed Aidee, a prototype system that assists people in performing home urinalysis through the qualitative expression of data and ambient physicalization. The system comprises a mobile app and an interactive device called the Aidee Light.

Representing the notion of balance, the app features a non-numerical scale, ranging from “too low” to “too high” passing through a section of “just right”. The three biomarkers can be seen together even though they don’t share a common measuring unit. By pressing the corresponding star, the user can see a page dedicated to the single biomarker. Here, the precise numerical value is present, as well as a textual report, written in a narrative style, that gives trends over time and informative explanations on the biomarker, what it influences and suggestions on how to keep it in the normal range. The user can also communicate their emotional state while taking urine measurements to create correlations between the results and body sensations.

The Aidee Light supports the app by presenting urine analysis results through the use of ambient lights and sounds. The concept and design of Aidee is grounded in the theory about situated visualisation, data physicalization, calm technology and peripheral interaction. As a neutral object, designed to look like a classic ceramic lamp, the Aidee Light provides a subtle yet reassuring presence that communicates with the user in a non-invasive manner.

The tests, carried out with 81 users, show the benefit of a visualization which serves to transform the technical dimension of values into an expression of well-being. The results indicate that these more advanced aesthetics do not reduce users’ ability to understand. The presence of the companion object also offers a positive impact by providing greater ease in relation to intimate data directly linked to our health.

Supported by the national Innovation Agency InnoSuisse and led in collaboration with the Swiss company Estee (Earth Space Technical Ecosystem Enterprises), this project opens major prospects for developing a better relationship with the parameters that promote our health and well-being.