Yubai 余白
Yubai 余白
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Role
UX | UI Design, Research, Development
Category
IoT System
Year
2026
2026
Tool Credits
Figma, Claude, GitHub Copilot, Vizcom (video render)
Team
Ruby Wu, Echo Zhou
Services
Brand Identity
Development
Creative Direction
Role
UX | UI Design, Research, Development
Category
IoT System
Year
2026
Tool Credits
Figma, Claude, GitHub Copilot, Vizcom (video render)
Team
Ruby Wu, Echo Zhou
Services
Brand Identity
Development
Creative Direction
Info
Yubai, translates to "a place for white space", is a smart home ecosystem designed to combat digital fatigue and social isolation among older Chinese adults. By replacing complex, high-friction digital interfaces with subtle, tangible, and ambient technology, Yubai empowers users to regain agency over their domestic environment, allowing them to maintain meaningful family connections without sacrificing their privacy or peace of mind.
Yubai, translates to "a place for white space", is a smart home ecosystem designed to combat digital fatigue and social isolation among older Chinese adults. By replacing complex, high-friction digital interfaces with subtle, tangible, and ambient technology, Yubai empowers users to regain agency over their domestic environment, allowing them to maintain meaningful family connections without sacrificing their privacy or peace of mind.
Info
Yubai, translates to "a place for white space", is a smart home ecosystem designed to combat digital fatigue and social isolation among older Chinese adults. By replacing complex, high-friction digital interfaces with subtle, tangible, and ambient technology, Yubai empowers users to regain agency over their domestic environment, allowing them to maintain meaningful family connections without sacrificing their privacy or peace of mind.
Concept Overview
Yubai; a quiet helper for your home
Loom
The visual anchor
VEO
The voice
Pulse
The Autonomy
Info
Yubai, translates to "a place for white space", is a smart home ecosystem designed to combat digital fatigue and social isolation among older Chinese adults. By replacing complex, high-friction digital interfaces with subtle, tangible, and ambient technology, Yubai empowers users to regain agency over their domestic environment, allowing them to maintain meaningful family connections without sacrificing their privacy or peace of mind.
Concept Overview
Yubai; a quiet helper for your home
Loom
The visual anchor
VEO
The voice
Pulse
The Autonomy
Role
UX | UI Design, Research, Development
Category
IoT System
Year
2026
Tool Credits
Figma, Claude, GitHub Copilot, Vizcom (video render)
Team
Ruby Wu, Echo Zhou
Info
Yubai, translates to "a place for white space", is a smart home ecosystem designed to combat digital fatigue and social isolation among older Chinese adults. By replacing complex, high-friction digital interfaces with subtle, tangible, and ambient technology, Yubai empowers users to regain agency over their domestic environment, allowing them to maintain meaningful family connections without sacrificing their privacy or peace of mind.
Concept Overview
Yubai; a quiet helper for your home
Loom
The visual anchor
VEO
The voice
Pulse
The Autonomy
Research
Research
Research
Participant Interviews
Participant Interviews
Participant Interviews
User 1 | Zhengzhou, China
Relies on WeChat as primary bridge for family connection. He writes articles and records himself reciting poetry to share with his loved ones. However, when he broadcasts into family group chats, his meaningful contributions quickly get lost under high volumes of notifications or digital noise.
“I want to share my moments while maintaining intentional connection with family.”
User 1 | Zhengzhou, China
Relies on WeChat as primary bridge for family connection. He writes articles and records himself reciting poetry to share with his loved ones. However, when he broadcasts into family group chats, his meaningful contributions quickly get lost under high volumes of notifications or digital noise.
“I want to share my moments while maintaining intentional connection with family.”
Research
Research
Research
Insights
Insights
Insights
Demographic
Chinese elders (aged 60-68)
Chinese elders (aged 60-68)
Deep purpose in reading, writing, and contemplation
Desires a calm, dignified environment that honors independent daily rituals
Navigating through retirement, seeking a harmonious balance between family devotion and personal solitude
Cultural Background
Rooted in the philosophy of continuous self-cultivation, aging is not a period of decline, but rather a boundless journey of mental and physical growth
01 anchored in family connection
Desire a balanced lifestyle actively pursuing personal joy guilt-free, knowing their connection to family is secure but boundaries are respected.
02 Generational Drift Awareness
Conscious of the widening gap in their physical capabilities, tech-fluency, and lifestyle pacing. They want to engage with the world on their own terms.
03 Intentional lifestyle
They want to optimize their time, improve their wellness, and dedicate hours and value to their own personal daily rituals.
Research
Insights
Demographic
Demographic
Chinese elders (aged 60-68)
Chinese elders (aged 60-68)
Deep purpose in reading, writing, and contemplation
Deep purpose in reading, writing, and contemplation
Desires a calm, dignified environment that honors independent daily rituals
Desires a calm, dignified environment that honors independent daily rituals
Navigating through retirement, seeking a harmonious balance between family devotion and personal solitude
Navigating through retirement, are seeking a harmonious balance between family devotion and personal solitude
Cultural Background
Rooted in the philosophy of continuous self-cultivation, aging is not a period of decline, but rather a boundless journey of mental and physical growth
01 anchored in family connection
01 anchored in family connection
Desire a balanced lifestyle actively pursuing personal joy guilt-free, knowing their connection to family is secure but boundaries are respected.
Desire a balanced lifestyle actively pursuing personal joy guilt-free, knowing their connection to family is secure but boundaries are respected.
02 Generational Drift Awareness
Are conscious of the widening gap in their physical capabilities, tech-fluency, and lifestyle pacing. They want to engage with the world on their own terms.
02 Generational Drift Awareness
Conscious of the widening gap in physical capabilities, tech-fluency, and lifestyle pacing. They want to engage with the world on their own terms.
03 Intentional lifestyle
03 Intentional lifestyle
Wants to optimize their time, improve their wellness, and dedicate hours and value to their own personal rituals.
Wants to optimize their time, improve their wellness, and dedicate hours and value to their own personal daily rituals.
HMW
HMW
“How might we create a low-friction, seamless home ecosystem that minimizes mental fatigue for older Chinese adults, enabling them to maintain healthy boundaries between family life and independent personal rituals?”
“How might we create a low-friction, seamless home ecosystem that minimizes mental fatigue for older Chinese adults, enabling them to maintain healthy boundaries between family life and independent personal rituals?”
How to set up Yubai at your home
System Mapping
System Mapping
How to set up Yubai at your home
System Mapping
How to set up Yubai at your home
living room
living room
Library
Library
shelf
shelf
TV
TV
tea table
tea table
sofa
sofa
Bookshelf
Bookshelf
Study table
Study table
sofa
sofa
sofa
sofa
lamp
lamp
Pulse
Pulse
Loom
Loom
Loom
Veo
Veo
Veo
Veo — Context-Aware Dialogue
A seamless voice interface that adapts dynamically to the flow of natural conversation. Instead of relying on rigid commands, Veo listens and responds contextually, blending into the daily rhythm of the home like a trusted companion.
Veo — Context-Aware Dialogue
Veo — Context-Aware Dialogue
A seamless voice interface that adapts dynamically to the flow of natural conversation. Instead of relying on rigid commands, Veo listens and responds contextually, blending into the daily rhythm of the home like a trusted companion.
A seamless voice interface that adapts dynamically to the flow of natural conversation. Instead of relying on rigid commands, Veo listens and responds contextually, blending into the daily rhythm of the home like a trusted companion.
Reduce pressure, keep tasks in control
Reduce pressure, keep tasks in control
LED Indicator
status of device
LED Indicator
status of device
LED Indicator
status of device
Internal module
Internal module
Internal module
Embedded magnetic piece
Embedded magnetic piece
Embedded magnetic piece
“hey Veo”,
“Veo”
“hey Veo”,
“Veo”
“hey Veo”,
“Veo”
Reduce pressure, keep tasks in control
Dial
environmental immersion control
Dial
environmental immersion control
Record
Capture raw moments, note-taking recordings
System wake up
Turns Pulse on
Record
Capture raw moments, note-taking recordings
Reserve personal space,
encourage exploration & creation
Reserve personal space,
encourage exploration & creation
Pulse — Ambiance Control
Pulse — Ambiance Control
Pulse a tea tray that acts as the physical "gatekeeper" for the environment. It curates time and atmosphere through physical elements. Tracking time, personal habits, notes, and activity logs whenever you want.
A tea tray that acts as the physical “gatekeeper” for the environment. It curates time and atmosphere through physical elements. Tracking time, personal habits, notes, and activity logs whenever you want.
System wake up
Turns Pulse on
Loom — Time Adaptive Display
Loom — Time Adaptive Display
Loom — Time Adaptive Display
An ambient visual canvas that intuitively surfaces meaningful content based on its relevance throughout the day. Operating with quiet subtlety, Loom displays gentle daily anchors and brings deeper text or memories into focus only upon direct request.
An ambient visual canvas that intuitively surfaces meaningful content based on its relevance throughout the day. Operating with quiet subtlety, Loom displays gentle daily anchors and brings deeper text or memories into focus only upon direct request.
An ambient visual canvas that intuitively surfaces meaningful content based on its relevance throughout the day. Operating with quiet subtlety, Loom displays gentle daily anchors and brings deeper text or memories into focus only upon direct request.
Maintain healthy connection
with family members
Record
Capture raw moments, note-taking recordings
System wake up
Turns Pulse on
Reserve personal space,
encourage exploration & creation
Pulse — Ambiance Control
A tea tray that acts as the physical “gatekeeper” for the environment. It curates time and atmosphere through physical elements. Tracking time, personal habits, notes, and activity logs whenever you want.
Dial
environmental immersion control
Pamphlet Preview
Pulse a tea tray that acts as the physical "gatekeeper" for the environment. It curates time and atmosphere through physical elements. Tracking time, personal habits, notes, and activity logs whenever you want.
Pulse a tea tray that acts as the physical "gatekeeper" for the environment. It curates time and atmosphere through physical elements. Tracking time, personal habits, notes, and activity logs whenever you want.
Pulse
Pulse
| Tangible Tea Tray
| Tangible Tea Tray
reserve personal space,
encourage exploration & creation
System wake up
Turns Pulse on
Record
Capture raw moments, note-taking recordings
Dial
environmental immersion control
| Smart Display
Loom
Listening..
Loom is an time adaptable wall-mounted display that makes the household's "presence" visible. It operates in three layers: Ambient (quiet), Glance (proximity-activated status info), and Inhabit (full content; when asked).
Using voice recognition to differentiate between users and only displays content authorized for the person approaching.
余白
余白
A space for comfort
A space for comfort
Table of Contents
| Overview
Designed by
Echo Zhou Ruby Wu
Appendix
Ecosystem communication
Ecosystem communication
Ecosystem Communication
Veo (Voice) → Loom (Display):
Veo (Voice) → Loom (Display):
Veo (Voice) → Loom (Display):
Data Sent: Spoken poetry, audio notes, daily reminders, made requests by user
Ambient Outcome: Instantly maps voice onto digital display on the wall.
Data Sent: Spoken poetry, audio notes, daily reminders, made requests by user
Ambient Outcome: Instantly maps voice onto digital display on the wall.
Data Sent: Spoken poetry, audio notes, daily reminders, made requests by user
Ambient Outcome: Instantly maps voice onto digital display on the wall.
Pulse (Tangible Tray) → Loom (Display):
Pulse (Tangible Tray) → Loom (Display):
Pulse (Tangible Tray) → Loom (Display):
Data Sent: Physical dial rotations and session status triggers.
Ambient Outcome: Loom dims and displays a quiet "Reading in Progress" boundary indicator.
Data Sent: Physical dial rotations and session status triggers.
Ambient Outcome: Loom dims and displays a quiet "Reading in Progress" boundary indicator.
Data Sent: Physical dial rotations and session status triggers.
Ambient Outcome: Loom dims and displays a quiet “Reading in Progress” boundary indicator.
Workflows in action
Workflows In Action
The creative session | Veo → Loom:
The creative session | Veo → Loom:
The creative session | Veo → Loom:
Action: User recites their desired intended poem or memo out loud.
Result: Veo transcribes the recording and Loom visualizes it on to the wall.
Action: User recites their desired intended poem or memo out loud.
Result: Veo transcribes the recording and Loom visualizes it on to the wall.
Action: User recites their desired intended poem or memo out loud.
Result: Veo transcribes the recording and Loom visualizes it on to the wall.
Protecting Boundaries | pulse → Loom:
Protecting Boundaries | pulse → Loom:
Protecting Boundaries | pulse → Loom:
Action: User uses Pulse tray dial to settle into a quiet reading session.
Result: Loom minimizes notifications and surfaces a quiet "Do Not Disturb" status to the family.
Action: User uses Pulse tray dial to settle into a quiet reading session.
Result: Loom minimizes notifications and surfaces a quiet "Do Not Disturb" status to the family.
Action: User uses Pulse tray dial to settle into a quiet reading session.
Result: Loom minimizes notifications and surfaces a quiet “Do Not Disturb” status to the family.
Reflection
Aging is a Journey of Continuous Growth
Engaging with literature, writing, and calligraphy is not just a passive pastime or a casual hobby. Instead, these activities are treated as vital, lifelong rituals for active self-cultivation, character development, and maintaining mental sharpness.
They Protect Their Autonomy Against Digital
While craving closeness with family, they are highly vulnerable to the mental drainage and cognitive overload caused by noisy, modern digital platforms. Requiring a dignified balance, intentional, structured boundaries that keep deep connections to family without sacrificing independent peace or overwhelming daily routines.
Aging; a Journey of
Continuous Growth
Engaging with literature, writing, and calligraphy is not just a passive pastime or a casual hobby. Instead, these activities are treated as vital, lifelong rituals for active self-cultivation, character development, and maintaining mental sharpness.
They Protect Their Autonomy
While craving closeness with family, they are highly vulnerable to the mental drainage and cognitive overload caused by noisy, modern digital platforms. Requiring a dignified balance, intentional, structured boundaries that keep deep connections to family without sacrificing independent peace or overwhelming daily routines.
Aging is a Journey of Continuous Growth
Engaging with literature, writing, and calligraphy is not just a passive pastime or a casual hobby. Instead, these activities are treated as vital, lifelong rituals for active self-cultivation, character development, and maintaining mental sharpness.
They Protect Their Autonomy Against Digital
While craving closeness with family, they are highly vulnerable to the mental drainage and cognitive overload caused by noisy, modern digital platforms. Requiring a dignified balance, intentional, structured boundaries that keep deep connections to family without sacrificing independent peace or overwhelming daily routines.
Family Connection is
Essential, But Needs Curation
The user holds a deep-seated desire to remain an active, visible part of their family’s lives, wanting to share meaningful creative milestones and personal thoughts with their loved ones to bridge the generational divide.
Respecting the user’s agency
Throughout the design process, we negotiated the balance between giving our user control and giving guidance. We realized the user has their own agency — having the freedom to explore how to interact with the IoT system, rather than having the power dynamics fixed for them from the start.
Family Connection is Essential, But Needs Curation
The user holds a deep-seated desire to remain an active, visible part of their family’s lives, wanting to share meaningful creative milestones and personal thoughts with their loved ones to bridge the generational divide.
Respecting the user’s agency
Throughout the design process, we negotiated the balance between giving our user control and giving guidance. As the concept developed, we realized the user has their own agency — having the freedom to explore how to interact with the IoT system, rather than having the power dynamics fixed for them from the start.
Family Connection is Essential, But Needs Curation
The user holds a deep-seated desire to remain an active, visible part of their family’s lives, wanting to share meaningful creative milestones and personal thoughts with their loved ones to bridge the generational divide.
Respecting the user’s agency
Throughout the design process, we negotiated the balance between giving our user control and giving guidance. As the concept developed, we realized the user has their own agency — having the freedom to explore how to interact with the IoT system, rather than having the power dynamics fixed for them from the start.