DISCIPLINE
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
CLIENT:
STEM
TIME:
13 WEEKS
EXPERIENCE:
DESIGN PROCESS
STEMtrail
about.
STEMtrail is a wearable concept designed in collaboration with STEM, expanding their PowerCell ecosystem. It reimagines portable energy not just as a power source, but as an emotional and functional companion for those venturing off the grid.
This wrist-worn device helps users orient, reflect, and reconnect through:
Biometric tracking (e.g. heart rate)
Intuitive navigation via LED-based orientation rings
Timekeeping through ambient light cues
Checkpoint awareness for safe exploration
Built for hikers, explorers, and outdoor enthusiasts, the product prioritizes emotional resilience, body awareness, and energy independence in nature.
challenge.
How can energy storage move beyond just charging phones, and instead foster deeper connection with our surroundings, bodies, and decisions when we are unplugged?
This brief posed the question:
“If energy were water, and the PowerCell a bottle, what would it mean to truly carry energy with us—mentally and physically?”
Key challenges identified:
Battery anxiety in remote environments
Lack of biofeedback-based reflection tools outdoors
Over-dependence on screens for navigation and timekeeping
Need for tactile, modular and sustainable design for outdoor products
The goal was to design a wearable interface that encourages intuitive use, emotional calm, and modular interaction, while staying in harmony with nature.
result.
The final outcome is a concept wearable that blends emotional awareness with off-grid utility. Designed for nature immersion, the device provides:
Three LED rings that show heart rate, ambient time, and directional guidance
Biofeedback cues to help users reflect and reconnect
Low-power GPS for safe, sustainable exploration
Three intuitive modes: Wayfinder, Heartrate, and Ambient Clock
Build & Materials:
Compact electronics including ESP32 microcontroller, GPS, and heart-rate sensor
Hemp bioplastic casing for sustainability
Dragon Skin® silicone cover for comfort and LED diffusion
Developed through CAD, silicone moulding, and resin printing, with a strong focus on modularity and user feedback
The design prioritizes low environmental impact, intuitive interaction, and emotional grounding, supporting users as they venture beyond the grid.
