Designing an AI support system for in-flight motion sickness.
Designing an AI support system for in-flight motion sickness.
Hardware-Software Experience Design
Hardware-Software Experience Design
Human-AI Interaction
Human-AI Interaction
Wearable Interaction Strategy
Wearable Interaction Strategy
Role:
Product Designer (Team Lead)
Team:
5-Person Interdisciplinary Team
Timeline:
5 Weeks // 2025
Role:
Product Designer (Team Lead)
Team:
5-Person Interdisciplinary Team
Timeline:
5 Weeks // 2025
Navigation
The Problem:
The Problem:
At 35,000 feet, motion sickness is not just physical discomfort. It is an experience of helplessness and a loss of control.
At 35,000 feet, motion sickness is not just physical discomfort. It is an experience of helplessness and a loss of control.
At 35,000 feet, motion sickness is not just physical discomfort. It is an experience of helplessness and a loss of control.
Motion sickness strikes without warning. In-flight factors can trigger it anytime, and passengers can't step outside or change their surroundings. Once it hits, they're stuck enduring it, since most remedies only work if taken beforehand.
Motion sickness strikes without warning. In-flight factors can trigger it anytime, and passengers can't step outside or change their surroundings. Once it hits, they're stuck enduring it, since most remedies only work if taken beforehand.
Stacked Triggers
Stacked Triggers
A System Solution
Turbulence, cabin pressure, dehydration, fatigue, and anxiety can combine to trigger it unexpectedly.
Why a connected earbuds-app-AI system, and not a simpler single-surface solution.
Turbulence, cabin pressure, dehydration, fatigue, and anxiety can combine to trigger it unexpectedly.
Why a connected earbuds-app-AI system, and not a simpler single-surface solution.
Trapped in Place
Trapped in Place
A System Solution
There's no window to open, no door to step through. Once it starts, passengers are confined until it passes.
Why a connected earbuds-app-AI system, and not a simpler single-surface solution.
There's no window to open, no door to step through. Once it starts, passengers are confined until it passes.
Why a connected earbuds-app-AI system, and not a simpler single-surface solution.
Fragmented Solutions
Fragmented Solutions
A System Solution
Most remedies only help if taken ahead of time. But onset is sudden and unpredictable, leaving passengers to manage it after the fact.
Why a connected earbuds-app-AI system, and not a simpler single-surface solution.
Most remedies only help if taken ahead of time. But onset is sudden and unpredictable, leaving passengers to manage it after the fact.
Why a connected earbuds-app-AI system, and not a simpler single-surface solution.
Aura's Approach:
Aura's Approach:
A connected product system that senses motion sickness before it takes hold and gives passengers control over how they respond.
A connected product system that senses motion sickness before it takes hold and gives passengers control over how they respond.
A connected product system that senses motion sickness before it takes hold and gives passengers control over how they respond.
Aura combines sensor-equipped earbuds, a companion app, and an AI layer that reads physical and flight conditions in real time. When a trigger starts to build, Aura warns the passenger early, so they can respond however works best for them, whether that's Aura's built-in sound therapy or their own go-to remedies.
Aura combines sensor-equipped earbuds, a companion app, and an AI layer that reads physical and flight conditions in real time. When a trigger starts to build, Aura warns the passenger early, so they can respond however works best for them, whether that's Aura's built-in sound therapy or their own go-to remedies.
AuraBuds
A pair of custom earbuds with sensors that track physical and flight conditions, and deliver sound therapy (ex. 100Hz) on demand to relieve symptoms.
AuraBuds
A pair of custom earbuds with sensors that track physical and flight conditions, and deliver sound therapy (ex. 100Hz) on demand to relieve symptoms.
Aura App
A companion app where passengers personalize their support, log their own remedies, and manage the entire connected system in one place.
Aura App
A companion app where passengers personalize their support, log their own remedies, and manage the entire connected system in one place.
Aura AI
An AI layer that connects sensor and flight data to flag rising triggers early and recommend clear, explainable support.
Aura AI
An AI layer that connects sensor and flight data to flag rising triggers early and recommend clear, explainable support.
// My Contributions
// My Contributions
As the Team Lead, I guided the team’s shift from a broad exploration of travel discomfort to a focused problem space:
Wrote a PRD to align the app, hardware, and AI workstreams
Led synthesis across research and ideation
Refined the app’s information architecture and defined earbud's internal components
Shaped the final product narrative and presentation
As the Team Lead, I guided the team’s shift from a broad exploration of travel discomfort to a focused problem space:
Wrote a PRD to align the app, hardware, and AI workstreams
Led synthesis across research and ideation
Refined the app’s information architecture and defined earbud's internal components
Shaped the final product narrative and presentation
However, my biggest impact on the final product outcome came through 3 key design decisions:
However, my biggest impact on the final product outcome came through 3 key design decisions:
// Decision 1
Why a connected system solution?
I defined the four design criteria before ideation began, that helped the team converge on a connected system instead of standalone solutions.
// Decision 1
Why a connected system solution?
I defined the four design criteria before ideation began, that helped the team converge on a connected system instead of standalone solutions.
// Decision 1
Why a connected system solution?
I defined the four design criteria before ideation began, that helped the team converge on a connected system instead of standalone solutions.
// Decision 2
Why custom-made earbuds are needed?
I explored the unique in-flight benefits our earbuds could deliver beyond what an app alone could offer, strengthening the rationale for Aura as a connected system.
// Decision 2
Why custom-made earbuds are needed?
I explored the unique in-flight benefits our earbuds could deliver beyond what an app alone could offer, strengthening the rationale for Aura as a connected system.
// Decision 2
Why custom-made earbuds are needed?
I explored the unique in-flight benefits our earbuds could deliver beyond what an app alone could offer, strengthening the rationale for Aura as a connected system.
// Decision 3
How the AI logic system is designed?
I defined how the AI layer would make decisions across the connected system. I mapped and designed a deterministic flow with clear rules for when and how to support the user.
// Decision 3
How the AI logic system is designed?
I defined how the AI layer would make decisions across the connected system. I mapped and designed a deterministic flow with clear rules for when and how to support the user.
// Decision 3
How the AI logic system is designed?
I defined how the AI layer would make decisions across the connected system. I mapped and designed a deterministic flow with clear rules for when and how to support the user.
// Market Signal
// Market Signal
Article from 9to5Google
Article from 9to5Google
Six months after this project wrapped, Samsung released Hearapy, an app that plays a 100Hz tone through Galaxy earbuds, or any earbuds, to help reduce motion sickness. Its core concept was based on the same Nagoya University research that informed Aura.
Six months after this project wrapped, Samsung released Hearapy, an app that plays a 100Hz tone through Galaxy earbuds, or any earbuds, to help reduce motion sickness. Its core concept was based on the same Nagoya University research that informed Aura.
Aura explores a more comprehensive connected system but Samsung’s release of a motion-sickness product provided a strong market signal, validating our design directions are superior because of the three key decisions behind it:
Aura explores a more comprehensive connected system but Samsung’s release of a motion-sickness product provided a strong market signal, validating our design directions are superior because of the three key decisions behind it:
Aura
Samsung Hearapy
A connected hardware-software system provides multi-layered support.
A connected hardware-software system provides multi-layered support.
App-led experience centered on playing a 100Hz tone.
App-led experience centered on playing a 100Hz tone.
AuraBuds adds in-flight relief features and sensors beyond audio output.
AuraBuds adds in-flight relief features and sensors beyond audio output.
Earbuds primarily serve as audio output, and can be any earbuds on the market.
Earbuds primarily serve as audio output, and can be any earbuds on the market.
Aura AI proactively recommends support based on context, timing, and user state.
Aura AI proactively recommends support based on context, timing, and user state.
User manually starts and manages the experience.
User manually starts and manages the experience.
Aura vs Hearapy
Aura vs Hearapy
// Decision 1
// Decision 1
Why a connected system over a simpler standalone solution?
Why a connected system over a simpler standalone solution?
Why a connected system over a simpler standalone solution?
In-flight motion sickness is shaped by psychological, physical, and environmental factors, we needed a clear framework to help the team stay focused, aligned, and grounded in the core user problem.
In-flight motion sickness is shaped by psychological, physical, and environmental factors, we needed a clear framework to help the team stay focused, aligned, and grounded in the core user problem.
In-flight motion sickness is shaped by psychological, physical, and environmental factors, we needed a clear framework to help the team stay focused, aligned, and grounded in the core user problem.
I synthesized our research and established 4 design criteria to guide the team’s ideation process.
I synthesized our research and established 4 design criteria to guide the team’s ideation process.
These criteria also served as an evaluation framework for every design decision and final design direction, helping us maintain a clear and focused approach.
These criteria also served as an evaluation framework for every design decision and final design direction, helping us maintain a clear and focused approach.
These criteria also served as an evaluation framework for every design decision and final design direction, helping us maintain a clear and focused approach.
Team ideation synthesis
Team ideation synthesis
Team ideation synthesis
Direction
Pros
Cons
Software-only solutions with passenger's own earbuds
Software-only solutions with passenger's own earbuds
Easy to access and control, no extra hardware
Easy to access and control, no extra hardware
Too manual; the screen itself can worsen nausea
Too manual; the screen itself can worsen nausea
Hardware-only solutions
Hardware-only solutions
No screens, focused and direct relief
No screens, focused and direct relief
Single-purpose; one more item to carry
Single-purpose; one more item to carry
Hardware and software connected solution
Hardware and software connected solution
Enable systemic sensing and relieving
Enable systemic sensing and relieving
More complex to build and design
More complex to build and design
After synthesizing our ideation outcomes, the team aligned on the connected system because it has the most completed solution that can satisfy all 4 design criteria, despite being more challenging to design and build.
After synthesizing our ideation outcomes, the team aligned on the connected system because it has the most completed solution that can satisfy all 4 design criteria, despite being more challenging to design and build.
// Decision 2
// Decision 2
Why custom-made earbuds are needed?
Why custom-made earbuds are needed?
Why custom-made earbuds are needed?
During ideation, a teammate uncovered research from research from Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine suggesting that 100Hz sound may help relieve or prevent motion sickness. That led the team to believe earbuds would be an ideal solution as part of the connected system.
During ideation, a teammate uncovered research from research from Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine suggesting that 100Hz sound may help relieve or prevent motion sickness. That led the team to believe earbuds would be an ideal solution as part of the connected system.
However, my industrial design background trained me to question the necessity of any new physical object. That instinct led me to explore implementing air pressure relieve feature that can help provide additional relief for the passengers.
However, my industrial design background trained me to question the necessity of any new physical object. That instinct led me to explore implementing air pressure relieve feature that can help provide additional relief for the passengers.
Implementing ceramic filter to our earbud design
Implementing ceramic filter to our earbud design
In our competitive research, EarPlanes stood out because its micro-ceramic filter is designed to slow barometric pressure changes, helping passengers reduce ear pain and pressure discomfort during flight.
In our competitive research, EarPlanes stood out because its micro-ceramic filter is designed to slow barometric pressure changes, helping passengers reduce ear pain and pressure discomfort during flight.
Sudden changes in ear pressure were one of the major triggers of motion sickness identified in our research. EarPlanes' ceramic filter mechanism is designed to help reduce that discomfort during flight.
Sudden changes in ear pressure were one of the major triggers of motion sickness identified in our research. EarPlanes' ceramic filter mechanism is designed to help reduce that discomfort during flight.
Testing the EarPlane ceramic filter
Testing the EarPlane ceramic filter
To test its effectiveness without flying, I tried it during my daily commute. The sudden pressure change between Northgate and Roosevelt light rail Station gave me a rough, practical simulation of the sensation we were designing for.
To test its effectiveness without flying, I tried it during my daily commute. The sudden pressure change between Northgate and Roosevelt light rail Station gave me a rough, practical simulation of the sensation we were designing for.
It actually worked, and gave me confidence to implement the feature, since it gave AuraBuds something no other earbuds offer. Without the ceramic filter, AuraBuds were optional. With it, they became the necessary anchor of the system.
It actually worked, and gave me confidence to implement the feature, since it gave AuraBuds something no other earbuds offer. Without the ceramic filter, AuraBuds were optional. With it, they became the necessary anchor of the system.
It actually worked, and gave me confidence to implement the feature, since it gave AuraBuds something no other earbuds offer. Without the ceramic filter, AuraBuds were optional. With it, they became the necessary anchor of the system.
AuraBuds
Existing earbuds
Audio Therapy
Can play any sound therapy remedies
Can play any sound therapy remedies
Can play any sound therapy remedies
Can play any sound therapy remedies
Pressure Relief
Built-in ceramic filter (concept)
Built-in ceramic filter (concept)
No pressure support
No pressure support
Contextual Sensing
Flight-specific: heart rate, movement, air pressure
Flight-specific: heart rate, movement, air pressure
Fragmented, mostly general health context
Fragmented, mostly general health context
// Decision 3
// Decision 3
How is the AI logic system designed?
How is the AI logic system designed?
How is the AI logic system designed?
During our usability testing sessions with 8 participants, we learned that the majority understood the connected system but expected it to be more proactive. Rather than manually managing remedies, they wanted Aura to anticipate needs and offer support before they had to ask for it.
During our usability testing sessions with 8 participants, we learned that the majority understood the connected system but expected it to be more proactive. Rather than manually managing remedies, they wanted Aura to anticipate needs and offer support before they had to ask for it.
I took ownership of defining Aura’s AI interaction model, proposing a deterministic logic system that maps context to remedy recommendations through clear decision conditions.
I took ownership of defining Aura’s AI interaction model, proposing a deterministic logic system that maps context to remedy recommendations through clear decision conditions.
AI logic system ideation
AI logic system ideation
The idea: AuraBuds would collect contextual and biometric signals during flight, while AI interpreted them alongside the user’s preferences, history, and flight context inside the Aura App.
Based on this, Aura would recommend a remedy and explain why. The user could accept, choose an alternative, or dismiss it, and each choice would help refine future recommendations. This made Aura proactive without removing user control.
The idea: AuraBuds would collect contextual and biometric signals during flight, while AI interpreted them alongside the user’s preferences, history, and flight context inside the Aura App.
Based on this, Aura would recommend a remedy and explain why. The user could accept, choose an alternative, or dismiss it, and each choice would help refine future recommendations. This made Aura proactive without removing user control.
Sense
Collect contextual and biometric signals from the flight environment with AuraBuds' sensors.
Sense
Collect contextual and biometric signals from the flight environment with AuraBuds' sensors.
Interpret
Compare those signals against flight conditions, user history, and personal preferences.
Interpret
Compare those signals against flight conditions, user history, and personal preferences.
Recommend
Suggest relevant support such as sound therapy, breathing guidance, or hydration reminders.
Recommend
Suggest relevant support such as sound therapy, breathing guidance, or hydration reminders.
Explain
Tell passengers what Aura detected, what data was used, and why a recommendation was made.
Explain
Tell passengers what Aura detected, what data was used, and why a recommendation was made.
This AI logic system lets Aura offer discreet, transparent support at the right moment, while keeping the passenger in control.
This AI logic system lets Aura offer discreet, transparent support at the right moment, while keeping the passenger in control.
Finalized context-to-remedy decision condition
Finalized context-to-remedy decision condition
Finalized AI logic system
Finalized AI logic system
// Final Design
// Final Design
Aura: A connected system of earbuds, app, and AI.
Aura: A connected system of earbuds, app, and AI.
Aura: A connected system of earbuds, app, and AI.
Each component has a distinct role. Together, they create a support experience none of them could provide alone.
Each component has a distinct role. Together, they create a support experience none of them could provide alone.
Context-Aware
Adapts support to flight conditions, symptoms, and comfort preferences.
Context-Aware
Adapts support to flight conditions, symptoms, and comfort preferences.
Proactive
Anticipates early triggers before symptoms become overwhelming.
Proactive
Anticipates early triggers before symptoms become overwhelming.
Effortless
Reduces the steps to receive effective remedies mid-flight.
Effortless
Reduces the steps to receive effective remedies mid-flight.
Discreet
Provides support through familiar earbuds and subtle app guidance.
Discreet
Provides support through familiar earbuds and subtle app guidance.
Pre-Flight Support
Pre-Flight Support
Pre-Flight Support
Pre-Flight Support
Before boarding, Aura analyzes flight details, seat location, and the passenger's motion-sickness risk profile.
For example, once the passenger enters their flight information into the Aura App, if it identifies a rear seat, Aura suggests a better option, since research shows rear seats increase the likelihood of motion sickness.
This is the support Aura provides before the passenger ever enters the cabin.
Before boarding, Aura analyzes flight details, seat location, and the passenger's motion-sickness risk profile.
For example, once the passenger enters their flight information into the Aura App, if it identifies a rear seat, Aura suggests a better option, since research shows rear seats increase the likelihood of motion sickness.
This is the support Aura provides before the passenger ever enters the cabin.
Aura App
// Gathers the passenger's flight details and preferences.
Aura App
// Gathers the passenger's flight details and preferences.
Aura App
// Gathers the passenger's flight details and preferences.
Aura AI
// Compares seat location and flight details against known risk factors to recommend seat and prep choices that reduce risk before boarding.
Aura AI
// Compares seat location and flight details against known risk factors to recommend seat and prep choices that reduce risk before boarding.
Aura AI
// Compares seat location and flight details against known risk factors to recommend seat and prep choices that reduce risk before boarding.
Takeoff Support
Takeoff Support
Takeoff Support
Takeoff Support
During takeoff, Aura combines flight-stage awareness with body signals to offer support when stress, noise, and pressure changes are most likely to occur.
AuraBuds' active noise canceling reduces engine noise, the ceramic filter eases pressure transitions, and built-in sound therapy delivers calming, guided relief.
During takeoff, Aura combines flight-stage awareness with body signals to offer support when stress, noise, and pressure changes are most likely to occur.
AuraBuds' active noise canceling reduces engine noise, the ceramic filter eases pressure transitions, and built-in sound therapy delivers calming, guided relief.
AuraBuds
// Active noise canceling reduces engine noise, and the ceramic filter eases ear pressure during takeoff.
// Sound therapy plays automatically to calm the inner ear.
AuraBuds
// Active noise canceling reduces engine noise, and the ceramic filter eases ear pressure during takeoff.
// Sound therapy plays automatically to calm the inner ear.
AuraBuds
// Active noise canceling reduces engine noise, and the ceramic filter eases ear pressure during takeoff.
// Sound therapy plays automatically to calm the inner ear.
Aura App
// Stores remedy options, flight details, and preferences for Aura AI to process.
Aura App
// Stores remedy options, flight details, and preferences for Aura AI to process.
Aura App
// Stores remedy options, flight details, and preferences for Aura AI to process.
Aura AI
// Matches signals against passenger preferences to recommend support that helps them feel ready and in control before takeoff.
Aura AI
// Matches signals against passenger preferences to recommend support that helps them feel ready and in control before takeoff.
Aura AI
// Matches signals against passenger preferences to recommend support that helps them feel ready and in control before takeoff.
In-Flight Support
In-Flight Support
In-Flight Support
In-Flight Support
Mid-flight, Aura uses live turbulence data and the passenger's profile to prepare them before symptoms build.
A quiet earbud reminder flags upcoming turbulence, and a simple double tap lets the passenger activate 100Hz sound therapy or their own remedy, turning an unpredictable flight into something more manageable.
Mid-flight, Aura uses live turbulence data and the passenger's profile to prepare them before symptoms build.
A quiet earbud reminder flags upcoming turbulence, and a simple double tap lets the passenger activate 100Hz sound therapy or their own remedy, turning an unpredictable flight into something more manageable.
AuraBuds
// Detects body signals in real time, and delivers 100Hz sound therapy the moment the passenger double-taps to activate it.
AuraBuds
// Detects body signals in real time, and delivers 100Hz sound therapy the moment the passenger double-taps to activate it.
AuraBuds
// Detects body signals in real time, and delivers 100Hz sound therapy the moment the passenger double-taps to activate it.
Aura App
// Receive biometric data from AuraBuds for AuraAI to process.
// Logs the passenger's preferred remedies so Aura AI can recommend the right one in the moment.
Aura App
// Receive biometric data from AuraBuds for AuraAI to process.
// Logs the passenger's preferred remedies so Aura AI can recommend the right one in the moment.
Aura App
// Receive biometric data from AuraBuds for AuraAI to process.
// Logs the passenger's preferred remedies so Aura AI can recommend the right one in the moment.
Aura AI
// Flags rising turbulence early with a quiet reminder, and recommends relief the passenger can accept with a single tap.
Aura AI
// Flags rising turbulence early with a quiet reminder, and recommends relief the passenger can accept with a single tap.
Aura AI
// Flags rising turbulence early with a quiet reminder, and recommends relief the passenger can accept with a single tap.
// Reflection
// Reflection
Five weeks is enough time to build a credible concept, but not enough to validate one.
Five weeks is enough time to build a credible concept, but not enough to validate one.
Five weeks is enough time to build a credible concept, but not enough to validate one.
There are more work required if Aura is in a real product development process:
There are more work required if Aura is in a real product development process:
There are more work required if Aura is in a real product development process:
Biometric Validation
The AI sensing model relies on heart rate, HRV, and movement data, but validating whether these signals can predict motion sickness (at what thresholds) would require real flight testing with motion-sensitive participants.
Biometric Validation
The AI sensing model relies on heart rate, HRV, and movement data, but validating whether these signals can predict motion sickness (at what thresholds) would require real flight testing with motion-sensitive participants.
Biometric Validation
The AI sensing model relies on heart rate, HRV, and movement data, but validating whether these signals can predict motion sickness (at what thresholds) would require real flight testing with motion-sensitive participants.
AI Timing Validation
The key challenge for Aura AI is timing: recommending support early enough to prevent escalation, but not so early that users dismiss it. This would require iterative testing across real flights.
AI Timing Validation
The key challenge for Aura AI is timing: recommending support early enough to prevent escalation, but not so early that users dismiss it. This would require iterative testing across real flights.
AI Timing Validation
The key challenge for Aura AI is timing: recommending support early enough to prevent escalation, but not so early that users dismiss it. This would require iterative testing across real flights.
Industrial Design of AuraBuds
The 3D-printed prototype validated ergonomic fit, but a production-ready earbud with a ceramic filter, biometric sensors, and a speaker driver would require further engineering feasibility work.
Industrial Design of AuraBuds
The 3D-printed prototype validated ergonomic fit, but a production-ready earbud with a ceramic filter, biometric sensors, and a speaker driver would require further engineering feasibility work.
Industrial Design of AuraBuds
The 3D-printed prototype validated ergonomic fit, but a production-ready earbud with a ceramic filter, biometric sensors, and a speaker driver would require further engineering feasibility work.
Real Usability Data at Scale
Our testing with 8 participants provided early directional feedback, but a larger research program would be needed to understand whether the AI model generalizes across real motion-sickness contexts.
Real Usability Data at Scale
Our testing with 8 participants provided early directional feedback, but a larger research program would be needed to understand whether the AI model generalizes across real motion-sickness contexts.
Real Usability Data at Scale
Our testing with 8 participants provided early directional feedback, but a larger research program would be needed to understand whether the AI model generalizes across real motion-sickness contexts.
I am still grateful to my teammates and this project because it gave me the opportunity to practice the kind of work I most want to grow in: connecting hardware, software, and AI into one coherent user experience, under constraint, with a team working across different disciplines simultaneously.
If given more time, I will explore and test more on the concept because I believe this connected system approach is promising.
I am still grateful to my teammates and this project because it gave me the opportunity to practice the kind of work I most want to grow in: connecting hardware, software, and AI into one coherent user experience, under constraint, with a team working across different disciplines simultaneously.
If given more time, I will explore and test more on the concept because I believe this connected system approach is promising.
I am still grateful to my teammates and this project because it gave me the opportunity to practice the kind of work I most want to grow in: connecting hardware, software, and AI into one coherent user experience, under constraint, with a team working across different disciplines simultaneously.
If given more time, I will explore and test more on the concept because I believe this connected system approach is promising.
All work © Yu-Cheng Yang // 2026