Ed Howe
BA Product Design
Creating fun and helpful products that use innovation drive my design style and process. My philosophy is, if the design process does not reflect the product's aims, the design is flawed.
Ultimately, I want to make the design space better for both the user and the designer.
Flow
For climbers getting in the zone or flow state is a key psychological skill when attempting difficult or scary climbs. A flow state is an experience that allows the brain to hyper-focus on the present and blocks any intrusive thoughts from daily stress and anxiety. This is how climbing can be used to improve someone's psychological well-being and helps the user feel empowered.
FLOW is a dynamic seating option that emulates this flow state from climbing and brings it to the home. By forcing an engaged posture and balance, the seat encourages the user to enter the flow state. This gives the user a mental break that is shown to reduce overall anxiety and stress.
Aesthetically Flow has a sculptural and bold silhouette. Inspiration coming from the natural movements of climbing and the rocks that started the sport. This makes Flow a home accessory statement when not in use.
Pillo
This project began by exploring the context of comfort, to create a seamless experience that can guarantee relaxation. Pillo became the answer. By using various autonomic responses in the brain, Pillo embodies comfort. The brain makes associations between certain objects, to anticipate what we want to do next. As soon as you put your head on a pillow, your mind knows to start relaxing. The same can be said for the warm glowing lights that emulate sunset which cause melanin to be released and heart rates to drop. This is what makes Pillo so effective. It encourages people to reassess how they relax and discover what techniques suit them best. Because Pillo is wireless, you can unwind anywhere. Whether reading, meditating, or listening to music, Pillo can set the ideal ambience to relax and deliver on comfort.