Beacon

Jenica Sawant

Summary
Final work

Hello, I am Jenica and I am a Product Designer with a passion for creating thoughtful, human-centred solutions that improve everyday life. My work often explores the intersection of design, mental well-being, and social interaction, particularly how we connect, focus, and feel in modern environments. I enjoy tackling complex challenges through research-led, empathetic design, whether it’s rethinking workplace furniture for neurodivergent users or developing tools to break digital habits.

Hello, I am Jenica and I am a Product Designer with a passion for creating thoughtful, human-cent...

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CollegeCentral Saint Martins
CourseBA (Hons) Product and Industrial Design
Graduation year2025

University life often brings significant challenges, including academic pressure, social struggles, and uncertainty about the future, all of which contribute to heightened stress and anxiety. Mental health concerns make students vulnerable to seeking quick dopamine "hits" through social media for relief or distraction. I designed Beacon to disrupt this cycle by offering a healthier, more meaningful alternative to doomscrolling. The device leverages the brain's natural reward pathways by encouraging active engagement through spontaneous voice interactions with nearby individuals. Unlike social media, which thrives on passive consumption, Beacon promotes real-world connections that provide lasting psychological benefits, such as reduced stress, increased happiness, and a stronger sense of belonging.

The design is rooted in the understanding that human interaction is a powerful antidote to loneliness and digital addiction. The device allows users to engage in randomized one-on-one or group chats with 2–4 participants, promoting local connections and reducing feelings of isolation. BEACON ensures secure and private audio conversations using direct Wi-Fi-based peer-to-peer communication, eliminating the need for internet access or centralized routers. Its minimalistic screen design delivers essential functionality while maintaining a clean, distraction-free interface, enhancing the user experience. Compact and portable, BEACON is inspired by the nostalgic aesthetic of the Game Boy, with a modern twist. Its lightweight design includes a convenient keychain attachment, making it easy to carry in shared spaces like student accommodations. Additionally, the device features a tactile fidget element, offering stress relief and encouraging mindful engagement, helping students break free from excessive phone use.

BEACON provides a practical, engaging, and healthier alternative for university students, helping them build meaningful connections, reduce stress, and prioritize their mental well-being in a digitally dominated world.