04
Massage Chair Interface Design
Tools:
Figma
Figjam
Blender
Notion
Skills:
UI Design
UX Design
Product designer
Interface for Controlling a Massage Chair
Problem & Goals
Many massage chairs come with overly complex interfaces that confuse users, especially older adults. The goal was to create a simple, clear, and visually accessible UI for choosing and adjusting massage modes.
Research & Analysis
I needed to create a modern, easy-to-use website that shows how good the company is, displays their services and success stories, and talks to possible clients in both English and German.
Market & Competitor Review
I reviewed existing massage chair interfaces from brands like Fujiiryoki, Synca, Osaki, and Red Dot–recognized models.
Findings: Many feature small buttons, crowded layouts, and unclear labeling—making them challenging for older users
Usability Issues
Small touch targets and low contrast make operation difficult, especially in reclined positions.
Complex menu trees force users to navigate multiple layers just to start a simple massage program.
User Needs & Context
Primary users are often 40+ years old, seeking comfort and relaxation without tech frustration.
Key use cases identified:
Quick Relax – 10-minute auto massage;
Pre-sleep session – personalized zones, intensity, duration;
Manual focus – targeted massage for shoulders, calves, etc.
Technical Considerations
Interface must work on a small embedded touchscreen—prioritize large tappable areas, minimal text, intuitive icons.
Accessibility: high contrast, readable fonts, simple navigation paths.
Design Principles
Use clean, wellness-inspired color palette to evoke calm.
Employ universally understood icons (e.g., shoulder, legs) to reduce reliance on text.
Keep interaction flow under 3 taps for core actions (start massage, choose mode, begin session).
User Scenarios
The interface was designed to support common real-world use cases:
Quick Relax After Work — one-tap start for a 10-minute automatic massage with balanced settings.
Pre-Sleep Custom Massage — user adjusts zones, heat, and intensity to wind down before bed using the “Create Custom Mode” feature.
Targeted Relief — presets like “Neck & Shoulders” or “Lower Back Relief” allow fast access to specific zones, with visual cues and editable parameters.
Recently used modes appear below for convenience, and user profiles help tailor the experience for shared use.
Design Process
Started with low-fidelity wireframes to explore layout and user flow.
Refined iconography, spacing, and hierarchy through quick iterations.
Chose a soft, wellness-inspired color palette to create a calm, focused experience.
Key Learnings
This project helped me understand the importance of designing for physical products and less tech-savvy users. I focused on touch ergonomics, accessibility, and emotional clarity.
What I’d Improve
If I had more time, I would test this design with 2–3 users in the target age group to validate the clarity of labels and icons.
