A Wearable Interface Translates Gesture into Emotional Data
MELO Bubble Ring, designed by New York-based product designer Shuting Jiang, explores the relationship between everyday gestures, wearable technology, and emotional awareness. The project addresses stress as a largely unrecorded condition, translating unconscious tactile behaviors into measurable data. The design builds on the observation that repetitive gestures, such as pressing, rotating, or fidgeting, often occur during moments of stress or concentration. These actions are typically overlooked, yet they reflect underlying emotional states. MELO reframes these behaviors as an input system, capturing interaction without requiring deliberate user engagement.
The project is based on the transformation of habitual movement into an interface. Physical interaction with the ring becomes a form of input, allowing behavioral patterns to be recorded passively. This approach enables continuous data collection without interrupting daily activity. MELO operates as a closed feedback loop between object, user, and digital system. A force-sensitive resistor (FSR), positioned beneath interchangeable tactile elements, records pressure and interaction. In parallel, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor tracks heart rate variability as a physiological indicator.
The ring connects to a mobile application via Bluetooth, where collected data is translated into an accessible emotional framework. Rather than presenting raw metrics, the system organizes information into defined states such as overwhelmed, tense, calm, and relaxed. The digital interface prioritizes clarity and usability. Real-time feedback, behavioral patterns, and suggested responses, such as breathing exercises, are presented within a simplified visual system. This extends the function of the object into a broader ecosystem, where interaction and interpretation operate together. The ring is designed for continuous wear, integrating into daily routines without disrupting use contexts. Its structure combines interchangeable tactile components with durable materials, including titanium and medical-grade silicone. The modular configuration allows individual parts to be replaced, supporting long-term use and adaptability.
engineered for multi-sensory fidgeting (Wave, Peak, Dome) and discreet, 24/7 comfort
MELO Bubble Ring Embeds Emotional Feedback into Daily Routines
The MELO Bubble Ring has received multiple international design awards, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award. The project was exhibited at the Red Dot Design Museum Singapore from October 2025 through October 2026. Shuting Jiang’s broader practice spans product design and digital systems. As a Senior Product Designer at Madhive, she has contributed to the development of platform features and the expansion of enterprise-level services. Her work focuses on translating complex data into accessible user experiences across both physical and digital formats. She also participates as a jury member in international design awards, contributing to the evaluation of global design practices.
MELO positions emotional awareness within everyday interaction rather than as a separate activity. By embedding sensing and feedback into a familiar object, the project connects behavioral input with physiological data. This approach reflects a direction in wearable design that emphasizes continuous, embodied interaction integrated into daily routines.
crafted from hypoallergenic, sustainable materials for gentle, responsible wear
features precision PPG and FSR sensors for seamless biometric intelligence
a cross-section of the metal pin and FSR mechanism for precise touch tracking
showcases the modular FSR sensor and outer casing, designed for longevity and repairability
interchangeable tactile tops with durable materials, including titanium and medical-grade silicone
from titanium-zirconia to Storybook integration, a blueprint for assistive healthcare wearables
the synergy of ring and App translates complex bio-data into actionable, daily mental health insights
interaction occurs through simple actions such as pressing, fidgeting, and rotating
calming UI providing AI-driven guidance for mood tracking, breathing exercises, and healthier habits
features a five-level emotional tracking system providing personalized feedback for real-time mental states
translates ring interaction data into daily, weekly, and monthly stress-management reports through data visualization
gamifies the wellness journey with monthly summary reports to celebrate user milestones and consistency
an AI-driven system offers activity recommendations based on user preferences, time availability, and skill levels
project info:
name: MELO Bubble Ring
design team: Shuting Jiang, Tianyue Wu, Xuanchen Li
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
The post MELO bubble ring transforms fidgeting into an emotional interface appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.