What it does
Rebit is a wearable sticklet designed to notify users of their hydration levels by changing color, transforming personal wellness into an interactive experience. It preemptively alerts users to dehydration, promoting better health and hydration practices.
Your inspiration
The inspiration for Rebit stemmed from our collective experiences as design students and a common friend who was an athlete and faced frequent health challenges. During a hospital stay, we realized how easy it is to forget about hydration, especially when laid up and watching the IV drip without movement. Observing frogs’ extraordinary sensitivity to their environments inspired our team to devise a wearable solution. We aimed to create a playful product that intuitively reminds users of their hydration needs, much like frogs reflect the health of their habitats with their sensitivity to change, making our design both functional and engaging
How it works
Rebit operates using a sodium-sensitive (hydrochromic) dye that changes color based on the sodium concentration in skin sweat. When dehydration occurs and sodium levels rise, the dye shifts in color intensity, providing a visual signal motivating users to hydrate. This technology is encapsulated in medical-grade silicone, which ensures comfort and skin safety, while allowing moisture to pass through and trigger the dye reaction effectively.
Design process
Our design journey began with a semiotic exploration of frogs and their unique environmental adaptability, leading us to conceptualize Rebit as a personal hydration companion. We initially prototyped using 3D printed PLA models, then progressed to TPU, and are now refining our design with silicone for durability and comfort. Each prototype prioritized enhancing comfort, adhesion, and the responsiveness of the color-changing mechanism. We have gathered invaluable feedback from initial tests, which has significantly refined the design, and we aim to conduct extensive user testing in the near future to gather deeper insights for further functionality improvements and user engagement
How it is different
Rebit stands out from other hydration products by focusing on human experience and sensory feedback rather than relying on screens and numbers. Instead of simply measuring hydration levels, Rebit uses safe, non-toxic hydrochromic dye that change color to provide instant visual cues. This makes it especially appealing to children and outdoor lovers, fostering an emotional connection to personal wellness. By tapping into natural instincts, Rebit offers a playful and engaging solution that helps users stay hydrated proactively, making it unique in the market.
Future plans
Our future plans for Rebit involve further developing our proof of concept, focusing on looking at the dye’s sensitivity and reaction time. Another inclusion (after taking inspiration from Clutch Glue) is to test its adhesive nature. We also seek to explore its potential as a visual monitoring tool in medical settings for healthcare professionals. Our ultimate aim is to create a user-friendly product that elevates hydration awareness not only for individuals but also for medical practitioners, promoting overall wellness and an educational approach to hydration.
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