Just Breathe
In our world today, people are dealing with stress and anxiety more than ever recorded in human history. Even though we are supposedly better equipped, better fed and better informed than previous generations. There are several social and economic causes for this but the greatest of them all, unfortunately, is technological. Misuse and misalignment of any technology with the design of the natural world which includes humans, is leading our civilisation towards an epidemic of mental collapse that isn't too far off from where we stand today. Most people are struggling to meet the demands imposed by tech companies who have the power to influence our social design.
Human evolution does not need to come at the cost of human well being. Therefore, it is important to understand and practice living with our body's natural rhythm that is currently in constant fluctuation due to primarilysocial factors. As humans, our individual and collective frequencies are vastly disproportionate to the frequency of information and products being made available to 'consumers.' Companies therefore have to bridge the gap between 'consumers' and 'humans' and understand that their products must serve the larger good otherwise we are only creating more problems.
In order to do that we need to go back to basics and understand the natural rhythm of our body and learn to align with it on a regular basis, how to reset as an when needed as well as learn how to protect ourselves from a one-sided, poorly and selfishly designed world.
The technology that I would like to propose is a device that uses sound and sensors to regulate individual breathing with their natural and healthy breathing on a regular basis.
Breathing is the core process that makes all other functions of the body possible from circulation to nervous to hormonal and so on. Through the help of a device that uses both sound and sensors, we can help design a system that can help people breathe in a more relaxed and efficient way, keep a track of when they're hyperventilating due to stress or anxiety and develop a habit to be in their body's homeostatic state more often.
There are two sub groups that could highly benefit from this technology.
1. Youth : Our growing population (youth between the ages of 6-12 and 13-25)
2. Older Population : 30+
1. The Youth are in a position where their minds are somewhat fragile and therefore in order to withstand the challenges of adulthood, it would benefit them to learn about the function of breathing and how it can help them through many physiological as well as psychological fluctuations. It is a tool that can assist them in their future.
2. The older population (30+) starts to rely more and more on drugs and medications to combat certain illnesses and strains. Most of these drugs are bound to cause side effects and further damage their physical and mental capabilities. Such individuals can benefit heavily from a device that can help them restore their natural health and chemical balance.
As a female from an Indian background, I am naturally taught from a young age about the value of meditation and deep rest. Throughout my adult life, I have spent most of my time as a wellbeing enthusiast/ mentor, meditator, design & technology professional and a young person finding my way through this overwhelming digital age. I have experienced all kinds of environments and how they impact our modern world as well as the need to provide mental support to both the youth and adult population.
I deeply understand the relationship between nature and our innovative human world. I also understand the responsibility that technology must empower humans and not enslave. Technology has served me very well for the most part to help me explore and communicate with new ideas, people and places. I have largely worked and interacted with communities in the U.K., Europe, North America, Canada and North India through workshops and publications. I have also experienced a downwards trend in the happiness and wellbeing levels in most of these communities due to a lack in tools, initiative and understanding on how to protect their mental wellbeing from over exposure to technology.
In the past, I have led workshops to inform and engage people regarding overall wellbeing. However, I do find that once the workshop is over, it is difficult for people to stay on track and continue their practice. With the help of a device, I believe that it will help them monitor their daily progress and stay on top of their breathing practice.
- Other
- Concept: An idea for building a product, service, or business model that is being explored for implementation
- Business Model (e.g. product-market fit, strategy & development)
- Financial (e.g. accounting practices, pitching to investors)
- Human Capital (e.g. sourcing talent, board development)
- Legal or Regulatory Matters
- Monitoring & Evaluation (e.g. collecting/using data, measuring impact)
- Product / Service Distribution (e.g. delivery, logistics, expanding client base)
- Public Relations (e.g. branding/marketing strategy, social and global media)
- Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design)
The solution that I am proposing will raise the standards of health services currently being provided in that it will be cheaper, more affordable and most importantly empower people to understand their mental health and its impact on their overall health better.
It will encourage existing and future companies to create products that bring long term value to the world and help in creating a healthier more vibrant human population.
Effective breathing and lower or no stress levels are known factors in helping increase physical activity and therefore help strengthen the immune system. With 'Just Breathe' the market not only benefits from a device that helps people's mental and physical health but also all the profound knowledge that comes with it that has been missing from the real world for far too long.
AI has a major part to play in the application of 'Just Breathe' as it will help monitor progress and effectiveness of the product in the market. The data collected from heart rate to stress levels, sleep quality and user's overall mood and wellbeing is bound to help reflect on the effectiveness of the product. This will be collected by user's voluntary agreement over a period of months or years of use.
All data associated with user's personal information (such as name or address) will be voluntary. The only essential data required to measure the effectiveness and improvement of the product will be related to the user's age, sex, country and existing medical conditions if any. This is to help us take a look at things from a bird's eye view rather than meddle with individual's personal information. We do not require individual names, address and contact details to measure the success or progress of the product.
- Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit
Contractors on board.
We have lived and worked amongst a diverse network of talented individuals for more than a decade and diversity and equity has always been a top priority.
Investment capital from Partner Organisations and VC Investors.
Through selling products and raising investment capital.
The product is in idea stage and will require set up capital as well as operating capital.
Requires a one to one discussion.
I am excited about all of the above as each is equally important. However, I am most excited about the design and marketing stage of the product to and to see it make a positive impact in people's lives.