This project aims to enhance stress alleviation by amplifying stress alleviation practices and addressing the prevalent issue of stress in modern society that negatively impacts both mental and physical health. Many individuals fail to recognise their own stress due to being absorbed in their daily challenges. Thus, this research will also focus on improving stress detection and awareness. Additionally, current stress relief methods and products often face limitations such as high costs, cumbersome designs, and conditional effectiveness. 

Utilising IDEO’s Human-Centered Design methodology, this project explores the use of sensors (such as heart rate sensors and photoplethysmography sensors) and gamification within a mobile application, aiming to provide an innovative solution for stress alleviation. Additionally, experimental research on emergent technologies, including AI, will be conducted to explore possibilities beyond the scope and timespan of this study further. 

The practical design outcome, Bloom, is a mobile app designed to be integrated with smartwatches, using their built-in sensors to improve stress detection. By tracking real-time bio-signals, Bloom identifies when the user is distressed and will offer a range of alleviation methods with a gamified approach to encourage users to practise stress-relief techniques consistently and effectively.