Product Management Collection - Design an Alarm Clock for the Deaf
Designing an Alarm Clock for the Deaf.
Background
An alarm clock is an everyday tool humans use to remind themselves to wake up or perform activities at certain times. However, it only works with sound which means the deaf would not be able to benefit from this tool.
Assumption
It has been determined that we are going to build a physical tool and not an application. However, to make things modern, we would build a simple interface for users to be able to control the alarm remotely at all times. Also, this is not for any specific age group. It should also be noted that it is not limited to just waking users up but all other kinds of activities needed to be performed by humans.
Objectives
The objectives of an alarm clock for the deaf are similar to those of a traditional alarm clock but with a focus on providing alternative ways of alerting the user without relying on sound. Some potential objectives include:
Alert: The primary objective of the alarm clock is to alert the user at the desired time, without relying on sound as the primary alert method.
Providing a reliable and effective wake-up method: The alarm clock should provide a reliable and effective method of waking up the user, such as through vibration or visual alerts.
Improving sleep hygiene: By waking up on time consistently, the user can improve their sleep hygiene and establish a regular sleep schedule.
Reducing stress and anxiety: By providing a reliable wake-up or reminder method, the alarm clock can reduce stress and anxiety associated with oversleeping or missing important appointments.
Increasing safety: By waking up on time, the user can avoid being late for important events, such as work, school, or appointments, reducing the risk of accidents or other safety concerns.
Promoting independence: By providing an alternative alert method, the alarm clock can promote independence for deaf users who may otherwise need to rely on others to wake them up or remind them to perform activities.
Enhancing productivity: Waking up on time and feeling rested can enhance productivity throughout the day, allowing the user to accomplish more tasks and meet their goals.
Problem Statement
Alarms generally work mostly with sound. However, the deaf as per their disability cannot hear sounds hence the need for an alarm clock design for the deaf.
Value Proposition
We help the deaf use alarm clocks for them to be productive, and independent and live like other humans who are not in their situation.
Goals and success criteria
A successful product will serve the deaf and anybody who prefers this mode of alarm to noise.
Use cases or Target Audience
People Who are deaf.
People who get anxiety from noise or sounds.
People who just hate sounds.
Epileptic patients with sound triggers.
Solution Overview
With the alarm for the Deaf, any deaf person will be able to use an alarm efficiently and easily. It will also serve users who have noise anxiety or prefer no sounds. Providing a wearable wristwatch that vibrates as a notification to the user and makes them uncomfortable such that they have no choice but to respond is the solution. This vibration will have different pulse settings, intensities and multiple alarm setups as some people are heavier sleepers than others.
Key Features and Releases
Here are some considerations and features that would be included in the design:
Vibration: The alarm clock would incorporate a powerful vibration feature that is strong enough to wake up the user. This could be achieved by using a vibrating pad that is placed under the user's pillow or mattress.
Adjustable settings: The alarm clock would allow users to adjust the intensity and frequency of the visual and vibration alerts to suit their needs and preferences.
Battery charge: The alarm clock would include a charger to ensure that the alarm is reusable.
User-friendly interface: The alarm clock would be easy to use and navigate, with intuitive controls and a simple interface.
Multiple alarms: The alarm clock would allow users to set multiple alarms for different times of the day, with the option to customize the alert settings for each alarm.
Compatibility: The alarm clock would be compatible with different devices and operating systems, such as smartphones.
Durability: The alarm clock would be durable and built to withstand everyday wear and tear, with sturdy construction and high-quality materials.
Aesthetics or Customization: The alarm clock would be visually appealing and blend in with the user's decor, with a sleek and modern design. This means users can customize their watches by look, and design(strap designs).
Cost-effective: The alarm clock would be affordable and offer good value for money, without compromising on quality or features.
User Stories
Below are some practical user stories
User Story 1: As a user, I want my alarm to vibrate, so that it could draw my attention.
User Story 2: As a user, I want to be able to charge my alarm, so that I could use it again.
User Story 3: As a user, I want to be able to set more than one alarm, so that I would have multiple reminders.
User Story 4: As a user, I want the alarm to be compatible with my smartphone, so that I could regulate it anytime I want.
User Story 5: As a user, I want the alarm to have different strap designs so that I can choose any colour at any time.
User Stories Release Requirements & Priority
User Story 1 (High):
Given that I am deaf, when I set my alarm to a certain time then it should vibrate when it's time.
Given that I am a deep sleeper, when I set my alarm to a high vibrating frequency, then it should vibrate when it's time.
User Story 2 (High): Given that I have an alarm when the battery dies, I should be able to charge it.
User Story 3 (High): Given that I am deaf, when I set multiple alarm times, then it should vibrate when it's time.
User Story 4 (Medium): Given that I have an alarm when I want to set a reminder, I should be able to control it with my smartphone.
User Story 5 (Low): Given that I have an alarm, I should be able to change the design when I want.
Key Sucess Metrics
Below are some metrics we could track after the launch. This could help us iterate from time to time and serve our users better.
Revenue: Total number of alarms bought. Since it is new, this is to track the number of users buying the item which proves the usability and also how much we are making.
% of each feature used.
DAU, MAU: To track users who use the app to control their alarms.
Out of scope
5 years from launch and success with growth, My suggestion would be to build a mattress pad or bed shaker that is attached to the alarm clock via a wire. The pad would live under the sheets for the deaf person and vibrate at a level necessary to wake them. This would be solely for those who need alarms for just waking up.
Also, voice-activated alarms such as Amazon Alexa or Siri could be used to send a reminder to the alarm.
Summary
This could be a product requirement document for building an alarm clock for the deaf. We do this by building a wristwatch which helps the deaf set alarms that work for their needs by eliminating sound and primarily depending on but not limited to vibrations.
NB: These are my thoughts and solution. You can comment below with your Ideas, questions and suggestions.
Hope this helped someone. Thanks for reading.