sounesoune

Focus assistant tool for workspaces

concept

SOUNE is a desk companion with a subtle, non-intrusive interface that helps you plan and protect your focus time at work. By creating clear moments of concentration within open workspaces, SOUNE helps minimize distractions and improve productivity during everyday tasks.

info

Umeå Institute of Design

Soune

Cosima Pauli

Nicolò Vincenzi

2023

3 weeks

Context

Open workspaces are not always focus friendly

Visual and digital distractions make it hard to protect focus, especially when our availability isn't clearly communicated.
We wanted to help people working in shared spaces focus without isolating themselves.

higher risk of exhaustion and burnout

~0 hours

lost in a day

reduced work satisfaction

0 minutes

to refocus each time

SOUNE device showing product features and design details

Solution

SOUNE helps you protect your focus

And make it visible to others

50% filter

75% filter

95% filter

Light Ring

Proximity Sensor

Speaker

A portable solution

Designed to be used anywhere.

Person using SOUNE on a train while working on laptop

SOUNE device attached to a backpack strap for easy carrying

One tilt away from deep focus

01Approaching

The device automatically wakes up thanks to the proximity sensor on the front.

02Syncing

The device can then be paired with headphones, smartphones, or laptops.

03Selecting Focus Mode

By tapping or scrolling on the touch-sensitive interface, you can select different focus modes.

04Set Timer

Users have the option to activate a timer by rotating the outer light ring.

Two views of SOUNE showing the tilt gesture to activate focus mode

Process

We experimented with shapes and interactions

Physical prototypes and motion studies helped us explore different forms and how the device responds on the desk — before settling on the final experience.

SOUNE device on a desk in an open office workspace environment