Benjamin Hubert of experience design agency LAYER has designed a meditation headset for US start-up Resonate. The headset features an LED light matrix that allows powerful meditation to be attained simply and effortlessly, regardless of level of experience. In a world where we are increasingly exposed to stressors – from the recent pandemic, to constant screen time – this kind of immersive meditation is more important and relevant than ever before. Resonate will launch at Design Miami 2021, which takes place from Dec 1 to Dec 6. Invite-only collectors' editions will be available at the fair, while the production units will ship in early 2022.

Resonate uses the cutting-edge science of neural entrainment to make traditional meditation techniques easier, accessible, and more effective. The Resonate system combines traditional meditation techniques with the proven benefits of vibration, sound and light to relax and change the frequency and pattern of thoughts. According to studies conducted by Resonate, 15 minutes of daily meditation is as effective as medication at treating depression, and users report a 51% decrease in stress and anxiety levels after one 20 minute Resonate session.

The headset features an LED light matrix that translates videos of the natural world – such as fish swimming underwater, or trees moving in the breeze – into an ever-changing sequence of biomorphic patterns that are visible through closed eyes and proven to activate the brain's frequency-following response. During each 20-minute session, these rippling patterns of light begin at a rapid frequency and then slow to sync with the user's circadian rhythm. This, in combination with the synchronised vibrations of the furniture and a soundtrack of monaural and binaural beats and isochronic tones, rapidly guides the user's mind to a deeply meditative state.

The soft and welcoming design of the Resonate headset sets a new standard for meditation, with a calming, minimal design language that encourages a restful state of mind before the product is even in use. The exterior casing features a owing geometry that closely follows the contours of the face allowing for complete immersion, while the progressive, futuristic interior houses the high-tech LED matrix display. When turned on, the widescreen LED matrix delivers dynamic lighting patterns. The brightness of the LEDs and volume of the soundtrack is controlled via an intuitive, ergonomically accessible capacitive interface on the underside of the casing. This interface strip also features a power button and USB-C charging port.

The textile-wrapped casing softens the high-tech product and creates a tactile experience, while the seamlessly integrated, adjustable strap is elevated by metallic branding details that evoke the design language of jewellery. These details bring the tech accessory closer to a piece of fashion. The design also expresses the product's functionality. Lighting strips, for example, frame the internal edges of the headset casting light on the face to create an outward expression of the meditation experience and acting as a "do not disturb" signal to others.

"We live in an increasingly hectic world where we are constantly inundated with digital interactions, the media, and – more recently – the impact of a pandemic. In this world, mindfulness and meditation is more relevant than ever before. Finding the time to practice or to obtain the knowledge and experience needed to practice efficiently, however, is no easy task. Resonate allows you to quickly reach a deep meditative state effortlessly"

Benjamin Hubert – Founder, LAYER

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