Kiara Ishwarlall

Design Research / Case study

Design for wellbeing

I translated secondary research into a tactile bracelet concept, exploring how form, a personal message and a proposed magnetic closure could work together.

Role
Individual research & design
Institution
IIE Vega
Project
2023
Context
Individual academic project
In this case study
The ornate black bracelet concept with its pale gift box.View artwork
AI assisted concept presentation · 2026 refinement of the 2023 academic design.

This presentation refines the original cuff and gift box through lighting, material appearance and composition. It does not demonstrate a working closure or readable Braille. Physical fit, tactile legibility and use of the proposed closure still require prototyping and evaluation. See the original design.

Original project excerpts

12 pages · PDF · 7.6 MB · Selected academic pages

Read the PDF : Original project excerpts (opens in a new tab)

The design question.

Explore design and wellbeing for people with visual impairments, considering touch and personal meaning alongside visual appearance.

My contribution and the project context.

Independent secondary research, concept exploration, bracelet design development and digital prototype presentation.

An individual IIE Vega academic Solution Design project, submitted September 2023 and refined for the December summative. The project remained a digital concept, with physical prototyping and user evaluation proposed as the next stage.

From research to a considered proposal.

Investigate touch and personal meaning

Secondary research explored visual impairment, tactile communication and design for wellbeing. The project narrowed towards an everyday object that could carry a private message and invite tactile interaction.

Compare concepts

Hand drawn maps explored jewellery and self care products before selecting a wearable bracelet. The sketches examine form, surface texture, filigree and the proposed placement of a Braille affirmation.

Visualise the proposal

Digital views and a packaging mockup present the bracelet as a personal gift. The concept combines an ornate surface with a proposed Braille message reading “beautiful”.

Refine access and choice

The refinement document proposes a magnetic closure and additional colours. It also records that specialist equipment was unavailable for a physical prototype, keeping the outcome clearly at digital concept stage.

Development and supporting evidence.

Original black bracelet digital concept, 2023.View artwork
Original black bracelet digital concept, 2023.
Concept sketch comparing form, tactile textures and the proposed message.View artwork
Concept sketch comparing form, tactile textures and the proposed message.
The original development page links ornamental form and the Braille concept.View artwork
The original development page links ornamental form and the Braille concept.
A colour variation from the original refinement work.View artwork
A colour variation from the original refinement work.
Original gift packaging mockup supporting the concept presentation.View artwork
Original gift packaging mockup supporting the concept presentation.

The outcome and the next step.

A documented concept study with sketches, digital visualisations, packaging presentation and a refinement rationale. The next step would be physical prototyping and evaluation with intended users.

Later concept refinement

2 pages · PDF · 0.5 MB · Selected original academic pages

Read the PDF : Later concept refinement (opens in a new tab)

Skills in practice

  • Concept development
  • Secondary research
  • Product visualisation
  • Design iteration
  • Presentation design

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Artwork

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