![[interface] image of software interface (for a edtech)](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6856734bb51eba837adcbfe6/6857cbe968804aea32cf04c8_Candle_2_.png)
Candle is a context-aware companion app designed to support train commuters in making the most of their travel time. By sensing real-time conditions like noise levels, crowding, and outside scenery, the app helps users choose the most suitable carriage for either quiet work or casual activity.
Train commutes are often wasted time, noisy, crowded, and stressful. Yet, they hold potential for both focused work and mental recovery.
My aim was to discover how a system could adapt to real-time conditions like noise, crowding, and scenery to support commuters’ changing needs. From using adaptive music to aid focus and relaxation, to guiding passengers to the right carriage for quiet work or conversation, the goal was to enhance both productivity and well-being during the daily journey
This phase combined a multi-day diary study with in-depth validation interviews to uncover real-world behaviors, emotional triggers, and routines. I analyzed the collected data using affinity mapping and pattern recognition techniques to surface key insights that would inform the design direction.
To gain deeper insight into participants’ everyday behaviors, motivations, and emotional triggers, I conducted a multi-day diary study with selected users. The goal was to understand not just what users say they do, but what they actually experience across time and context. A total of 8 participants took part in the study, each documenting their experiences over 5 to 7 days. With one round trip often taking a full day, the entries captured a wide range of real-life moments, including transit, downtime, and daily routines. The insights I gathered were more revealing than traditional interviews, offering unfiltered, in-context reflections that provided a deeper understanding of emotional states, habits, and environmental influences.
After the diary study period, I conducted in-depth validation interviews with each participant. These sessions allowed me to explore the context behind their entries in more detail, uncover underlying motivations and emotions, and confirm emerging patterns identified during the study. This step ensured the insights were not only accurate but also deeply grounded in the participants’ lived experiences.
I used affinity mapping to organize and cluster insights from the diary entries and interviews. This helped reveal recurring themes, emotional patterns, and user needs across different contexts and routines.
![[interface] image of software interface (for a edtech)](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6856734bb51eba837adcbfe6/686d0d9e8af4c55a4a240cca_Life%20of%20a%20Commuter%20-%20Insights%20extraction.jpg)
Building on the diary study and validation interviews, I translated key emotional needs into four focused concept directions. Each mode addresses a specific context or mindset identified during the research, offering users personalized support throughout their commuting.
![[interface] image of travel tech software interface (for a travel tech)](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6856734bb51eba837adcbfe6/6857fb0e0d0b04f86a3e5beb_Candle_5.png)
Helps users concentrate on work-related or productive activities. It offers a distraction-free environment with tools like task reminders and focus-enhancing background music.
When the train passes through scenic areas or when external conditions are not ideal for productivity, the app suggests switching to Relaxation Mode. Calming music and prompts for mindfulness exercises allow users to recharge.
Encourages users to disconnect from work and practice mindfulness. The app provides guided meditation sessions or asks users to engage in simple breathing techniques by voice command.
![[team]](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6856734bb51eba837adcbfe6/6857fb0e3538fc9ed8ba646c_Candle_8.png)
Offers light entertainment, such as podcasts, music, or short stories, to help users pass time casually.
With key insights in place, I developed early concepts and wireframes exploring how commuters could select the right carriage or receive adaptive content like music. I conducted four usability testing sessions to validate these ideas and refine the interaction flows based on user feedback.
The final UI design of the Candle app focuses on creating an intuitive and visually appealing experience that seamlessly supports commuters throughout their journey. The dark theme to emphasize the Candle app’s core concept of “enlightening the journey.” This design choice symbolizes how the app serves as a guiding light, helping users find focus, relaxation, or mindfulness amidst the daily commute.
![[interface] image of software interface (for a edtech)](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6856734bb51eba837adcbfe6/6858127d0d0b04f86a464325_Candle_Mockup1.png)
