Designing proactive AI support
for in-flight motion sickness
Designing proactive AI support
for in-flight motion sickness
Role:
Product Designer (Team Lead)
Team:
5-Person Interdisciplinary Team
Timeline:
5 Weeks // 2025
Context:
Project
Role:
Product Designer (Team Lead)
Team:
5-Person Interdisciplinary Team
Timeline:
5 Weeks // 2025
Context:
Project
Navigation
At 35,000 feet, motion sickness is not just discomfort. It is an experience of helplessness.
At 35,000 feet, motion sickness is not just discomfort. It is an experience of helplessness.
Passengers cannot easily change their environment once symptoms begin. In-flight conditions such as turbulence, cabin pressure, and anxiety can compound quickly, making motion sickness harder to manage in the moment. Most existing remedies require passengers to manually self-manage while already feeling unwell.
Passengers cannot easily change their environment once symptoms begin. In-flight conditions such as turbulence, cabin pressure, and anxiety can compound quickly, making motion sickness harder to manage in the moment. Most existing remedies require passengers to manually self-manage while already feeling unwell.
Aura is an attempt to change that.
Aura is an attempt to change that.
Aura combines context-aware earbuds, a companion app, and an AI support layer into one connected product system to help passengers anticipate motion-sickness triggers, receive timely support, and feel more in control while flying.
Aura combines context-aware earbuds, a companion app, and an AI support layer into one connected product system to help passengers anticipate motion-sickness triggers, receive timely support, and feel more in control while flying.
// My Contributions
As Product Design Team Lead, I helped turn a broad and ambiguous problem space into a focused hybrid product system the team could prototype, test, refine, and present within five weeks.
I created alignment through the PRD and helped connect the app, earbud, and AI workstreams into one coherent experience, while leading by example through hands-on contribution, clear communication, and a high standard for design quality.
My main individual contribution was defining the AI interaction model: how Aura senses context, interprets early motion-sickness triggers, recommends timely remedies, explains its reasoning, and preserves user control.
// Market Signal
Article from 9to5Google
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.
While Hearapy functions primarily as an app-based sound tool, Aura explores a more comprehensive connected system. Samsung’s release of a motion-sickness product based on the same research provided a strong market signal, validating our design direction and the three key decisions behind it:
While Hearapy functions primarily as an app-based sound tool, Aura explores a more comprehensive connected system. Samsung’s release of a motion-sickness product based on the same research provided a strong market signal, validating our design direction and the three key decisions behind it:
While Hearapy functions primarily as an app-based sound tool, Aura explores a more comprehensive connected system. Samsung’s release of a motion-sickness product based on the same research provided a strong market signal, validating our design direction and the three key decisions behind it:
Aura
Aura
Samsung Hearapy
Samsung Hearapy
Earbuds + Companion App + AI work together as one support system.
Earbuds + Companion App + AI work together as one support system.
Earbuds + Companion App + AI work together as one support system.
App-led experience centered on playing a 100Hz tone.
App-led experience centered on playing a 100Hz tone.
App-led experience centered on playing a 100Hz tone.
AuraBuds act as the in-flight interface for discreet, body-adjacent support.
AuraBuds act as the in-flight interface for discreet, body-adjacent support.
AuraBuds act as the in-flight interface for discreet, body-adjacent support.
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.
Earbuds primarily serve as audio output, and can be any earbuds on the market.
AuraAI recommends support based on context, timing, and user state.
AuraAI recommends support based on context, timing, and user state.
AuraAI recommends support based on context, timing, and user state.
User manually starts and manages the experience.
User manually starts and manages the experience.
User manually starts and manages the experience.
// Discovery
Finding the right problem
Finding the right problem
Our team came together through a shared interest in travel, not just the excitement of going somewhere new, but the discomfort, stress, and anxiety that often come with the journey. With only five weeks, however, we could not solve “travel” as a whole. We needed to find a more focused opportunity inside that larger experience.
Our team came together through a shared interest in travel, not just the excitement of going somewhere new, but the discomfort, stress, and anxiety that often come with the journey. With only five weeks, however, we could not solve “travel” as a whole. We needed to find a more focused opportunity inside that larger experience.
To help the team evaluate opportunity areas more efficiently, I created a framework for my desk research that made different problem spaces easier to compare. For each opportunity, I documented the problem, affected users, current solutions, and potential design directions, giving the team a shared foundation for discussion and decision-making.
To help the team evaluate opportunity areas more efficiently, I created a framework for my desk research that made different problem spaces easier to compare. For each opportunity, I documented the problem, affected users, current solutions, and potential design directions, giving the team a shared foundation for discussion and decision-making.
My initial five opportunity framing documents
When we compared our findings, two opportunity areas rose to the top: in-flight anxiety and motion sickness. What connected them was not just discomfort, but a shared sense of limited control. Unlike many travel frustrations that can be resolved or avoided, these experiences unfold while passengers are confined to the aircraft. This combination of physical discomfort and emotional vulnerability became the focus of our research.
When we compared our findings, two opportunity areas rose to the top: in-flight anxiety and motion sickness. What connected them was not just discomfort, but a shared sense of limited control. Unlike many travel frustrations that can be resolved or avoided, these experiences unfold while passengers are confined to the aircraft. This combination of physical discomfort and emotional vulnerability became the focus of our research.
The in-flight discomfort happens inside an environment where passengers cannot easily escape or reset. Then adding on the motion sickness, it creates a combination of physical discomfort and emotional stress.
The in-flight discomfort happens inside an environment where passengers cannot easily escape or reset. Then adding on the motion sickness, it creates a combination of physical discomfort and emotional stress.
The in-flight discomfort happens inside an environment where passengers cannot easily escape or reset. Then adding on the motion sickness, it creates a combination of physical discomfort and emotional stress.
Narrowing the opportunity
// Research
Understanding the problem
Understanding the problem
Most people understand motion sickness as a feeling. We needed to understand it as a system. The in-flight environment introduces a unique set of compounding stressors — turbulence, cabin pressure, dehydration, recycled air, fatigue, anxiety, and limited mobility — many of which are invisible and outside the passenger’s control.
Most people understand motion sickness as a feeling. We needed to understand it as a system. The in-flight environment introduces a unique set of compounding stressors — turbulence, cabin pressure, dehydration, recycled air, fatigue, anxiety, and limited mobility — many of which are invisible and outside the passenger’s control.
Because I have never experienced motion sickness myself, I focused on understanding the experience through people who have, the science behind the condition, and the limits of existing solutions. This helped me design from evidence rather than assumption and gave the team a stronger foundation for brainstorming.
Because I have never experienced motion sickness myself, I focused on understanding the experience through people who have, the science behind the condition, and the limits of existing solutions. This helped me design from evidence rather than assumption and gave the team a stronger foundation for brainstorming.
User interview + Understand motion sickness + Competitive analysis
Through user conversations, we learned that symptom severity was not only physical. It was closely tied to how much control passengers felt they had over the situation. When travelers had options and felt prepared, the experience felt more manageable. In flight, however, those options became limited. Passengers were confined to the aircraft, had fewer ways to respond, and often relied on remedies that were fragmented, reactive, or only available after symptoms had already escalated.
Through user conversations, we learned that symptom severity was not only physical. It was closely tied to how much control passengers felt they had over the situation. When travelers had options and felt prepared, the experience felt more manageable. In flight, however, those options became limited. Passengers were confined to the aircraft, had fewer ways to respond, and often relied on remedies that were fragmented, reactive, or only available after symptoms had already escalated.
The core reason in-flight motion sickness feels harder to manage is not only the symptoms themselves, but the loss of control.
The core reason in-flight motion sickness feels harder to manage is not only the symptoms themselves, but the loss of control.
Stacked Triggers
Stacked Triggers
Turbulence, ear pressure, dehydration, fatigue, and anxiety can compound quickly, which worsen the motion sickness symptoms.
Turbulence, ear pressure, dehydration, fatigue, and anxiety can compound quickly, which worsen the motion sickness symptoms.
Trapped in Place
Trapped in Place
Once symptoms start, it is harder to manage because they have limited control once they are already in the air.
Once symptoms start, it is harder to manage because they have limited control once they are already in the air.
Fragmented Solutions
Fragmented Solutions
Most motion sickness remedies are fragmented and reactive, leaving in-flight travelers unsupported when triggers are unpredictable and control is limited.
Most motion sickness remedies are fragmented and reactive, leaving in-flight travelers unsupported when triggers are unpredictable and control is limited.
Official design objective
This reframed the design challenge. The goal was not only to reduce symptoms, but to help passengers feel supported before and during the moments when they felt most vulnerable. From this research, we defined four design criteria:
This reframed the design challenge. The goal was not only to reduce symptoms, but to help passengers feel supported before and during the moments when they felt most vulnerable. From this research, we defined four design criteria:
Design Criteria:
Design Criteria:
Proactive
Proactive
Support travelers before symptoms escalate.
Support travelers before symptoms escalate.
Context-Aware
Context-Aware
Respond to the passenger, flight stage, and cabin conditions.
Respond to the passenger, flight stage, and cabin conditions.
Effortless
Effortless
Reduce effort when travelers already feel unwell.
Reduce effort when travelers already feel unwell.
Discreet
Discreet
Provide support quietly in a public cabin setting.
Provide support quietly in a public cabin setting.
// Ideation
Narrowing down to one direction
Narrowing down to one direction
With a clearer problem and design criteria, the team moved into ideation. We first explored individually to keep the field wide, then came together to evaluate the strongest directions. Concepts ranged from app-only coaching tools to physical accessories, wearables, and environmental interventions.
With a clearer problem and design criteria, the team moved into ideation. We first explored individually to keep the field wide, then came together to evaluate the strongest directions. Concepts ranged from app-only coaching tools to physical accessories, wearables, and environmental interventions.
I contributed ideas across both physical and digital directions, then helped lead the synthesis process from scattered ideas into a focused product direction that the team could commit to.
I contributed ideas across both physical and digital directions, then helped lead the synthesis process from scattered ideas into a focused product direction that the team could commit to.
My crazy 8 sketches
During ideation, a teammate uncovered research from research from Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine suggesting that 100 Hz sound may help relieve or prevent motion sickness. This gave the concept a more concrete intervention mechanism. If sound could become part of the support experience, the product needed to live in or around the ear.
During ideation, a teammate uncovered research from research from Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine suggesting that 100 Hz sound may help relieve or prevent motion sickness. This gave the concept a more concrete intervention mechanism. If sound could become part of the support experience, the product needed to live in or around the ear.
We aligned on a connected system: an earpiece that can deliver sound therapy and detect physical context, paired with an app that personalizes support and surfaces remedy recommendations.
We aligned on a connected system: an earpiece that can deliver sound therapy and detect physical context, paired with an app that personalizes support and surfaces remedy recommendations.
There were simpler directions with high user value, especially app-only tools or lightweight physical remedies. But those solutions felt limited. A connected system could do something neither could do alone: sense context, interpret the user’s state, and respond at the right moment. This became the foundation for Aura.
There were simpler directions with high user value, especially app-only tools or lightweight physical remedies. But those solutions felt limited. A connected system could do something neither could do alone: sense context, interpret the user’s state, and respond at the right moment. This became the foundation for Aura.
Ideation synthesis
// Prototyping
Shaping the product direction
Shaping the product direction
By the end of week two, we had aligned on a clear product direction. To maximize the limited time remaining, we divided the work into two parallel tracks: the companion app and the earbud form factor. This allowed us to quickly create tangible prototypes, gather feedback, and refine the system before the final presentation.
By the end of week two, we had aligned on a clear product direction. To maximize the limited time remaining, we divided the work into two parallel tracks: the companion app and the earbud form factor. This allowed us to quickly create tangible prototypes, gather feedback, and refine the system before the final presentation.
With the team working across separate software and hardware tracks, alignment became critical. I created the product requirements document to establish a shared foundation for the product vision.
With the team working across separate software and hardware tracks, alignment became critical. I created the product requirements document to establish a shared foundation for the product vision.
Full Product Requirement Document
A shared product vision allowed the team to prototype quickly in parallel without losing alignment on the overall experience.
A shared product vision allowed the team to prototype quickly in parallel without losing alignment on the overall experience.
The PRD became a decision-making tool for the team. It gave us a shared understanding of how the connected system would work together, allowing each workstream to move independently while still building toward the same product experience.
The PRD became a decision-making tool for the team. It gave us a shared understanding of how the connected system would work together, allowing each workstream to move independently while still building toward the same product experience.
// Prototyping - App
My initial FigmaMake prototype attempts
To create an interactive app prototype within a one-week timeframe, I decided to experiment with Figma Make. The process required multiple iterations and a fair amount of trial and error, but it allowed us to quickly bring the concept to life and create a functional prototype for usability testing.
To create an interactive app prototype within a one-week timeframe, I decided to experiment with Figma Make. The process required multiple iterations and a fair amount of trial and error, but it allowed us to quickly bring the concept to life and create a functional prototype for usability testing.
Figma Make helped us rapidly visualize user flows, identify friction points, and refine the experience before putting it in front of participants.
Figma Make helped us rapidly visualize user flows, identify friction points, and refine the experience before putting it in front of participants.
The prototype was far from perfect, and we were still learning how to use the tool effectively. However, it significantly accelerated our ability to test ideas, gather feedback, and iterate within a compressed timeline.
The prototype was far from perfect, and we were still learning how to use the tool effectively. However, it significantly accelerated our ability to test ideas, gather feedback, and iterate within a compressed timeline.
// Prototyping - Earbuds
Implementing ceramic filter to our earbud design
On the earbud side, I kept returning to a fundamental question: if 100 Hz sound is the primary intervention, why would someone buy AuraBuds instead of using the earbuds they already own? This question led me back to our competitive analysis, where we had researched EarPlanes and their ceramic filter technology.
On the earbud side, I kept returning to a fundamental question: if 100 Hz sound is the primary intervention, why would someone buy AuraBuds instead of using the earbuds they already own? This question led me back to our competitive analysis, where we had researched EarPlanes and their ceramic filter technology.
Adding a ceramic pressure-regulating filter gave AuraBuds a meaningful in-flight benefit beyond sound therapy, making the hardware feel purposeful rather than interchangeable.
Adding a ceramic pressure-regulating filter gave AuraBuds a meaningful in-flight benefit beyond sound therapy, making the hardware feel purposeful rather than interchangeable.
By incorporating a similar concept into AuraBuds, the product could help regulate air-pressure changes during takeoff and landing. This was especially relevant because sudden pressure changes were identified as one of the triggers that could worsen motion-sickness symptoms.
By incorporating a similar concept into AuraBuds, the product could help regulate air-pressure changes during takeoff and landing. This was especially relevant because sudden pressure changes were identified as one of the triggers that could worsen motion-sickness symptoms.
// Testing
Testing the system
Testing the system
By the end of the third week, we had an interactive app prototype for usability testing, a 3D-printed earbud model for ergonomic feedback, and a clear concept story to share with external participants. Our goal was to understand whether people could make sense of the connected system, whether the app interactions felt intuitive, and whether the earbud form felt comfortable enough for the in-flight context.
By the end of the third week, we had an interactive app prototype for usability testing, a 3D-printed earbud model for ergonomic feedback, and a clear concept story to share with external participants. Our goal was to understand whether people could make sense of the connected system, whether the app interactions felt intuitive, and whether the earbud form felt comfortable enough for the in-flight context.
I led the usability testing, which gave me direct exposure to how participants interpreted the app, understood the connection between the app and earbuds, and responded to the overall product concept. This helped me identify where the interface created confidence, where it created friction, and where the system needed to become simpler.
I led the usability testing, which gave me direct exposure to how participants interpreted the app, understood the connection between the app and earbuds, and responded to the overall product concept. This helped me identify where the interface created confidence, where it created friction, and where the system needed to become simpler.
App Usability testing sessions
Earbud ergonomic testing fits
For the app, we tested whether users understood the core flows, support recommendations, and relationship between the app and AuraBuds. For the earbuds, we conducted ergonomic testing by asking participants with different ear shapes to wear and move with the physical model so we could assess comfort and fit.
For the app, we tested whether users understood the core flows, support recommendations, and relationship between the app and AuraBuds. For the earbuds, we conducted ergonomic testing by asking participants with different ear shapes to wear and move with the physical model so we could assess comfort and fit.
Participants understood the connected system, but expected it to be more proactive. Rather than manually managing symptoms, they wanted it to anticipate needs and provide timely support through both the app and earbuds.
Participants understood the connected system, but expected it to be more proactive. Rather than manually managing symptoms, they wanted it to anticipate needs and provide timely support through both the app and earbuds.
This shifted our next design priority. The app did not just need a clearer UI. The entire system needed to feel more proactive, responsive, and intelligent about when and how it stepped in. It also pushed us to think more intentionally about physical interaction with the earbuds, not just screen-based interaction through the app.
This shifted our next design priority. The app did not just need a clearer UI. The entire system needed to feel more proactive, responsive, and intelligent about when and how it stepped in. It also pushed us to think more intentionally about physical interaction with the earbuds, not just screen-based interaction through the app.
// Intelligence
Designing the AI layer
Designing the AI layer
Testing revealed the next design challenge: users did not want to manage symptoms manually in the middle of discomfort. They wanted Aura to recognize what was happening and provide support before symptoms escalated. This raised an important Human-AI Interaction question: how could the system feel proactive without becoming intrusive or taking control away from the user?
Testing revealed the next design challenge: users did not want to manage symptoms manually in the middle of discomfort. They wanted Aura to recognize what was happening and provide support before symptoms escalated. This raised an important Human-AI Interaction question: how could the system feel proactive without becoming intrusive or taking control away from the user?
I took ownership of defining Aura's AI interaction model. My goal was to reduce user burden while keeping the experience transparent and user-directed. Rather than acting as a fully autonomous system, Aura AI was designed as a recommendation layer that helps users make decisions when they need support most.
I took ownership of defining Aura's AI interaction model. My goal was to reduce user burden while keeping the experience transparent and user-directed. Rather than acting as a fully autonomous system, Aura AI was designed as a recommendation layer that helps users make decisions when they need support most.
AI logic system ideation
The earbud would collect contextual and biometric signals during flight, then use AI to interpret those signals against the user’s preferences, history, and known motion-sickness patterns. When Aura recommended a remedy, it would explain what it detected and why the action was suggested. The user could accept, choose another option, or dismiss it, keeping the system proactive without removing control.
The earbud would collect contextual and biometric signals during flight, then use AI to interpret those signals against the user’s preferences, history, and known motion-sickness patterns. When Aura recommended a remedy, it would explain what it detected and why the action was suggested. The user could accept, choose another option, or dismiss it, keeping the system proactive without removing control.
Aura AI was designed around four responsibilities: sense, interpret, recommend, and explain.
Aura AI was designed around four responsibilities: sense, interpret, recommend, and explain.
Sense
Collect contextual and biometric signals from AuraBuds and the flight environment.
Collect contextual and biometric signals from AuraBuds and the flight environment.
Interpret
Compare those signals against flight conditions, user history, and personal preferences.
Compare those signals against flight conditions, user history, and personal preferences.
Recommend
Suggest timely support such as sound therapy, breathing guidance, pressure relief, or hydration reminders.
Suggest timely support such as sound therapy, breathing guidance, pressure relief, or hydration reminders.
Explain
Tell users what Aura detected and why a recommendation was made.
Tell users what Aura detected and why a recommendation was made.
When a recommendation was presented, users could accept it, dismiss it, or choose an alternative. This interaction model allowed Aura to feel proactive while remaining predictable, transparent, and under the user's control.
When a recommendation was presented, users could accept it, dismiss it, or choose an alternative. This interaction model allowed Aura to feel proactive while remaining predictable, transparent, and under the user's control.
Finalized AI Logic System
// Refinement
Refining the final experience
Refining the final experience
For the final stretch, the team divided work again to prepare the project for presentation. One group focused on the earbuds, one focused on presentation and video material, and one focused on the app. I joined the app workstream because the information architecture and interaction logic needed refinement after testing.
For the final stretch, the team divided work again to prepare the project for presentation. One group focused on the earbuds, one focused on presentation and video material, and one focused on the app. I joined the app workstream because the information architecture and interaction logic needed refinement after testing.
I refined the app’s information architecture and helped make the final experience easier to understand as one connected system. I also helped synthesize the final storyboard and presentation narrative so Aura could be understood as an integrated ecosystem.
I refined the app’s information architecture and helped make the final experience easier to understand as one connected system. I also helped synthesize the final storyboard and presentation narrative so Aura could be understood as an integrated ecosystem.
I refined the app’s information architecture and helped make the final experience easier to understand as one connected system. I also helped synthesize the final storyboard and presentation narrative so Aura could be understood as an integrated ecosystem.
App refinement process
Aura App's Information Architecture refinement
The app was simplified around six core areas: onboarding, personal profile, flight details, in-flight support, remedy recommendations, and AuraBuds settings. Each part needed to support the same product promise: reducing user burden while preserving a sense of control.
The app was simplified around six core areas: onboarding, personal profile, flight details, in-flight support, remedy recommendations, and AuraBuds settings. Each part needed to support the same product promise: reducing user burden while preserving a sense of control.
The final refinement made Aura easier to understand as a connected system, not just an app paired with earbuds.
The final refinement made Aura easier to understand as a connected system, not just an app paired with earbuds.
This was important because the project had multiple layers: app, earbuds, AI, user context, and in-flight scenarios. The final narrative needed to make those parts feel connected, not complicated. By the end of the fourth week, we had refined the app’s branding, flow, information architecture, and interactions, and developed an updated prototype in Figma Make for the final presentation.
This was important because the project had multiple layers: app, earbuds, AI, user context, and in-flight scenarios. The final narrative needed to make those parts feel connected, not complicated. By the end of the fourth week, we had refined the app’s branding, flow, information architecture, and interactions, and developed an updated prototype in Figma Make for the final presentation.
Storyboarding process
// Final Design
Aura is a connected product system of earbuds, companion app, and built-in AI that work together to help people with motion sickness feel calmer and more in control while flying. Each component has a distinct role. Together, they create a support experience none of them could provide alone.
Aura is a connected product system of earbuds, companion app, and built-in AI that work together to help people with motion sickness feel calmer and more in control while flying. Each component has a distinct role. Together, they create a support experience none of them could provide alone.
Aura AI acts as the ambient support layer that connects flight context, body signals, user preferences, and remedy recommendations. It interprets what is happening during the flight, then helps determine when and how support should be delivered in a way that feels timely, discreet, and transparent.
Aura AI acts as the ambient support layer that connects flight context, body signals, user preferences, and remedy recommendations. It interprets what is happening during the flight, then helps determine when and how support should be delivered in a way that feels timely, discreet, and transparent.
Proactive
Aura anticipates motion sickness triggers through contextual sensing and AI-supported timing before symptoms become overwhelming.
Aura anticipates motion sickness triggers through contextual sensing and AI-supported timing before symptoms become overwhelming.
Context-Aware
Context-Aware
Aura adjusts support based on changing flight conditions, user symptoms, and personal comfort preferences.
Aura adjusts support based on changing flight conditions, user symptoms, and personal comfort preferences.
Effortless
Effortless
Aura minimizes user burden by reducing the need to manually search for, choose, or activate remedies mid-flight.
Aura minimizes user burden by reducing the need to manually search for, choose, or activate remedies mid-flight.
Discreet
Discreet
Aura fits into the flight experience through familiar earbuds and subtle in-app guidance that does not draw unnecessary attention.
Aura fits into the flight experience through familiar earbuds and subtle in-app guidance that does not draw unnecessary attention.
Pre-Flight Planning
Pre-Flight Planning
Aura begins before boarding by analyzing flight details, seat location, and personal motion-sickness risk. If a rear seat may increase discomfort, Aura can suggest a window seat over the wing, helping passengers reduce triggers before they enter the cabin.
Aura begins before boarding by analyzing flight details, seat location, and personal motion-sickness risk. If a rear seat may increase discomfort, Aura can suggest a window seat over the wing, helping passengers reduce triggers before they enter the cabin.
Takeoff Support
Takeoff Support
During takeoff, Aura combines flight-stage awareness with body signals to offer timely support when stress, noise, and pressure changes are most likely to occur. AuraBuds reduce engine noise, help ease pressure transitions, and deliver guided remedies through calming sound.
During takeoff, Aura combines flight-stage awareness with body signals to offer timely support when stress, noise, and pressure changes are most likely to occur. AuraBuds reduce engine noise, help ease pressure transitions, and deliver guided remedies through calming sound.
Turbulence Preparation
Turbulence Preparation
In flight, Aura uses turbulence data and the user’s profile to prepare the body before discomfort begins. Through a quiet earbud reminder, a simple double tap, 100 Hz sound, and personalized remedy guidance, Aura helps turn a stressful flight into a calmer and more manageable journey.
In flight, Aura uses turbulence data and the user’s profile to prepare the body before discomfort begins. Through a quiet earbud reminder, a simple double tap, 100 Hz sound, and personalized remedy guidance, Aura helps turn a stressful flight into a calmer and more manageable journey.
// AuraBuds
AuraBuds are wireless earbuds designed specifically for in-flight motion-sickness support. They combine sound therapy, pressure relief, contextual sensing, and discreet interaction into one familiar form factor.
AuraBuds are wireless earbuds designed specifically for in-flight motion-sickness support. They combine sound therapy, pressure relief, contextual sensing, and discreet interaction into one familiar form factor.
Core Sensors
Core Sensors
Track heart rate, HRV, movement, and orientation to help Aura AI understand the passenger’s in-flight context and personalize support.
Track heart rate, HRV, movement, and orientation to help Aura AI understand the passenger’s in-flight context and personalize support.
Built-In Ceramic Filter
Built-In Ceramic Filter
Uses a customized air-inlet tunnel with a ceramic filter to gently regulate airflow and help ease pressure transitions without compromising audio clarity.
Uses a customized air-inlet tunnel with a ceramic filter to gently regulate airflow and help ease pressure transitions without compromising audio clarity.
Discreet Interaction
Discreet Interaction
Allows passengers to accept or activate support through simple earbud interactions, reducing the need to look at the app while feeling unwell.
Allows passengers to accept or activate support through simple earbud interactions, reducing the need to look at the app while feeling unwell.
// AuraApp
The Aura App serves as the system’s control center. It personalizes the experience, manages flight context, organizes remedy options, and explains AI-supported recommendations in a way that keeps users informed and in control.
The Aura App serves as the system’s control center. It personalizes the experience, manages flight context, organizes remedy options, and explains AI-supported recommendations in a way that keeps users informed and in control.
Onboarding
Onboarding
Collects motion-sickness history, comfort preferences, remedy preferences, and automation comfort level to personalize Aura from the start.
Collects motion-sickness history, comfort preferences, remedy preferences, and automation comfort level to personalize Aura from the start.
Add a Flight
Add a Flight
Adds flight context such as takeoff time, seat location, and turbulence risk so Aura can personalize support before and during the flight.
Adds flight context such as takeoff time, seat location, and turbulence risk so Aura can personalize support before and during the flight.
In-Flight
In-Flight
Shows flight status, upcoming turbulence, and recommended support so passengers can prepare instead of feeling surprised or helpless.
Shows flight status, upcoming turbulence, and recommended support so passengers can prepare instead of feeling surprised or helpless.
Relief Kit
Relief Kit
Gives passengers access to preferred remedies while also serving as the source library Aura AI draws from for automatic recommendations.
Gives passengers access to preferred remedies while also serving as the source library Aura AI draws from for automatic recommendations.
Profile Setting
Profile Setting
Allows passengers to update their motion-sickness history, preferences, and comfort settings over time.
Allows passengers to update their motion-sickness history, preferences, and comfort settings over time.
EarBuds Setting
EarBuds Setting
Gives passengers control over connected earbud features, support preferences, and interaction settings.
Gives passengers control over connected earbud features, support preferences, and interaction settings.
// Reflection
Reflection + Next Step
Reflection + Next Step
Reflection + Next Step
This project 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. It also gave me an early opportunity during MHCI+D to step into a leadership role, help structure ambiguous work, and contribute across multiple layers of the product.
This project 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. It also gave me an early opportunity during MHCI+D to step into a leadership role, help structure ambiguous work, and contribute across multiple layers of the product.
I am especially grateful to my teammates, who trusted me to help guide the project and shape its direction. Their collaboration made it possible for me to contribute broadly, and I learned a great deal from working alongside people with different strengths and perspectives.
I am especially grateful to my teammates, who trusted me to help guide the project and shape its direction. Their collaboration made it possible for me to contribute broadly, and I learned a great deal from working alongside people with different strengths and perspectives.
If given more time, I would push the work further in the following areas:
Deepen user research with more frequent in-flight motion-sickness sufferers.
Refine AuraBuds’ industrial design and explore the feasibility of the internal components.
Refine the app’s visual hierarchy, interaction details, and AI transparency patterns.
Prototype the AI layer and test its effectiveness around context sensing, intervention timing, and user trust.
If given more time, I would push the work further in the following areas:
Deepen user research with more frequent in-flight motion-sickness sufferers.
Refine AuraBuds’ industrial design and explore the feasibility of the internal components.
Refine the app’s visual hierarchy, interaction details, and AI transparency patterns.
Prototype the AI layer and test its effectiveness around context sensing, intervention timing, and user trust.
All work © Yu-Cheng Yang // 2026