Week 11: Solution Validation

This Week's Update: Testing Our Meditative Heating Blanket Prototype

This week, we conducted an initial test of our solution – the meditative heating blanket. Each team member tested the concept using a paper prototype and a pre-designed testing protocol. For the test, we selected close individuals (family members or partners) as participants. The context was intentionally chosen to be their own bed, at home, and just before sleep to ensure they felt comfortable and relaxed.

The test setup involved the participant lying flat on their back, covered with a blanket. On top of the blanket, we placed a heating pad, which we moved between different areas of the body to simulate the warmth shifting to various zones, similar to the practice of body scan meditation. The sequence of areas was as follows: feet, abdomen, hands, chest, and shoulders.

Before starting, we briefed the participants on the process, explaining that they would experience a meditative "body scan" during which warmth would move across different parts of their body. We asked them to focus on the specific area where the warmth was being felt. During the test, we placed the heating pad on each area for about 40 seconds while the participants closed their eyes in complete silence to maintain a calm and distraction-free environment.

After the session, we asked participants a series of open questions, such as:

• How do you feel after the session?

• How was the experience for you?

• How would you describe the sensation of warmth?

• What were you thinking about during the experience?

• Did you notice any change in your mood?

• Would you be interested in repeating this process?

  
  

Key Insights and Reflections

The initial test results were incredibly encouraging. All five participants expressed interest in experiencing the process again. Additionally, they unanimously described the sensation of warmth as calming and pleasant, noting that it helped them focus on their body and disconnect from intrusive thoughts.

The main takeaway from this test was that the blanket successfully conveyed the relaxing and mindful experience we had envisioned in our "How Might We" statement. However, the test also raised important questions, such as:

• How should we guide users unfamiliar with meditation through the experience?

• Which body areas should we focus on more?

• What is the optimal duration of warmth for each area?

  
  

These insights will guide us in refining our concept and improving the experience as we move forward.