Type
Bachelor Thesis /
Product Design /
Medical-Oriented Design
Year
2023
University
HAWK Hildesheim
Role
Research /
Concept · Product Design / Prototyping
Focus
Mental Health /
Medical Design/
Emotional Design / Wearable
Project - 0°
Therapeutic Earring for Depression Support
A discreet, non-invasive wearable that integrates auricular stimulation with Wabi-Sabi aesthetics to support emotional well-being for people experiencing depression.
Summary Box｜Key Highlights
Stigma-free medical integration
By blending medical auricular stimulation with daily jewelry aesthetics, 0° transforms a clinical treatment into a discreet personal accessory, effectively reducing the social stigma associated with mental health devices.
Non-invasive therapeutic ritual
Rooted in the calming philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, the design replaces needles with gentle mechanical pressure. It reframes the healing process as a quiet, self-administered ritual that supports emotional reset and inner balance.
Research-validated emotional care
Grounded in medical literature and user testing, the project demonstrates how "Emotional Design" can enhance treatment compliance by prioritizing the user’s dignity, comfort, and psychological well-being.
Story Overview
Depression affects millions worldwide and remains one of the most challenging mental health conditions due to stigma, long-term treatment demands, and medication side effects. Many people hesitate to seek help because traditional medical devices often feel intrusive, clinical, or socially exposing.
O ° was designed as a discreet therapeutic earring that blends medical principles with everyday aesthetics. Inspired by auricular acupuncture and the calming philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, the product offers a non-invasive, stigma-free way to support emotional balance—transforming treatment into a quiet, personal ritual.
Design Thinking & Concept
Background & Motivation
Depression has significant social, emotional, and economic impacts. While medication and psychotherapy remain essential, complementary methods such as auricular stimulation have shown promising results in reducing stress and emotional tension. However, many existing solutions appear highly medical and intimidating.
The goal was to create a wearable object that feels personal rather than clinical, supporting mental well-being without labeling the user as a patient.
Design Goals
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Reduce stigma through aesthetic integration
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Offer non-invasive, needle-free stimulation
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Enable self-use without professional assistance
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Support long-term comfort and daily wear
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Merge medical function with emotional design
Aesthetic Direction – Wabi-Sabi
The Wabi-Sabi aesthetic, compared to other styles, requires a calmer mind to observe and contemplate the beauty of nature as it resonates with objects. At the same time, it cultivates an appreciation for the beauty that emerges through the passage of time and the process of change, rather than focusing on the luxury of beauty.
Form & Function
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Non-Invasive Auricular Stimulation
The earring stimulates key ear points through mechanical pressure—no needles, electricity, or skin penetration.
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Universal Fit Structure
A spring-based mechanism adapts to different ear shapes, allowing stable wear without ear piercing.
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Lightweight & Comfortable
Weighing approximately 1.5–2.3g, the earring enables long-term use without discomfort.
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Discreet Wearability
The design blends into daily fashion, allowing users to wear it confidently in public without drawing attention to its therapeutic purpose.
Concept: Physical × Emotional
The earring applies gentle mechanical pressure to specific auricular points related to emotional regulation and stress relief. Instead of visible medical devices, the therapeutic function is embedded in a minimal, jewelry-like form.
The design communicates calm, acceptance, and emotional softness rather than clinical efficiency.
Meaning of the Name – 0°
The name “0°” carries two layers of meaning.
First, it refers to the visual form of the earring: a large circular shape with a small oval grip above it, resembling the symbol 0°.
Second, 0° represents a symbolic state of return. In three-dimensional space, 0° is not defined as a direction, but as a neutral point—a return to the original state.
In several ancient cultures, the number 0 symbolizes nothingness, infinity, and new beginnings.
This meaning reflects the core intention of the design:
to support emotional reset, inner balance, and the possibility of starting again.
Research & Validation
The project is grounded in:
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Medical literature on auricular stimulation
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Interviews with certified acupuncture doctors
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Studies on depression treatment outcomes
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User testing with six participants
Feedback indicated:
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Reduced anxiety and stress
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Improved emotional comfort
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No physical discomfort during use
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High acceptance due to discreet appearan
Outcome & Reflection
O ° demonstrates how medical function, emotional design, and aesthetics can coexist in a single product.
Instead of presenting treatment as a visible medical act, the design reframes it as a quiet personal ritual—supporting emotional well-being through form, touch, and symbolism.
This project reflects my interest in:
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Human-centered medical design
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Emotional UX
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Cultural translation in product design
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Designing with empathy rather than authority
Future development could explore:
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Medical-grade materials
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Adjustable pressure systems
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Integration with digital mental health tools