Koen de Krab: a smartwatch for children with a congenital heart defect

Koen is a smartwatch especially designed for children having a hard time living with a heart defect. Koen measures the heart rate of the wearer and reacts on abnormal values. When a heart rate is measured above or below a certain level, Koen will distract the wearer by presenting a game. The game is designed in such a way that the biometric input of the user controls the game.

A design process in close contact with the target group

The project has followed a user-centred-design process, in which the needs, wants, and limitations

of end users of a product are very important to make the product succeed. Therefore, a user test was executed in order to evaluate the principle that had been created for KOEN with the end user, the children with CHD. The user testing has proven that the overall principle of the KOEN smart watch is good. The software and hardware

design are sufficient. Children liked to play, to wear and interact with it. The interviewed children and parents were very enthusiastic,

The results

The KOEN design is promising for the user group and is feasibly technology-wise. KOEN will be a great asset for CHD children, and with just a little adjustment it will also be applicable for a wider target group such as children with obesity. Testing the prototype with 6 children, the game was in all cases resulting in a significant lowering of the HR and was experienced as a fun game to play.

Featured at Yanko Design