Over the past few days, I conducted three quick user tests to gain early feedback on my analog prototype – the breathing circle. Although the tests were informal and low-pressure, they offered helpful insights into how others interpret and interact with the object. I invited Žiga (26), Nika (24), and Črtomir (62) to try it out. Each session lasted around 5 minutes.
Test Setup
I placed the plywood breathing circle on a table and gave minimal instructions: “This is a tool for guided breathing. Feel free to explore it and describe what you think it’s doing or how you would use it.” I asked them to use the think aloud method, meaning they should voice their thoughts as they interact with the object: what they believe it is, what it might do, and how they feel using it.
The goal was to observe how people interacted with the object naturally, especially how they understood the engraved inhale–hold–exhale sections, the circular form, and the rotating movement of the top plate.
After each test, we spent some time discussing their experience and gathering suggestions for improvements and potential uses.
User 1: Žiga (26, software developer)
Žiga intuitively understood what the breathing circle was for. Without much hesitation, he picked it up, started turning the top plate, and said something like, “Ah, this is for breathing, right?” He immediately began mimicking the rhythm of inhale–hold–exhale as he turned the plate. He noted that the movement felt a bit stiff and suggested a smoother surface or finish to make the rotation feel more meditative and pleasant.
He also raised several ideas during our conversation afterward: “I’d use this during online meetings. I often catch myself scrolling or clicking random things without paying attention. Having this in my hand would keep my fingers busy and help me focus.”
He added that he would be more likely to use it if it were smaller and made of a more satisfying material, something smoother and less rough than bare plywood. He liked the idea of it being minimalistic and aesthetically pleasing: “If it looked like a clean, white decorative piece, I’d definitely keep it on my desk. It could be like a fidget toy for adults.”
Key takeaway: Žiga saw real use potential in focused work contexts and as a physical alternative to digital distractions. He emphasized the importance of both feel and aesthetics, suggesting that people might be more likely to use something that feels good in the hand and looks good in the environment.
User 2: Nika (24, pedagogy master’s student & HR assistant)
Nika was initially unsure how to interact with the breathing circle. She wondered aloud whether she should turn it only one way or back and forth. After some time exploring, she closed her eyes to focus more on the texture. She liked the tactile feel and suggested the engraved areas could be more pronounced so the different phases of the breathing cycle are easier to recognize by touch alone. Although she didn’t see herself using it frequently, she said she might carry a smaller version in her purse if it were about the size of a fidget spinner.
Drawing from her background working with children, she immediately thought about potential classroom uses, especially for kids with attention difficulties. “I see more and more kids who can’t calm down. Something like this could help them focus during class, they could use it with one hand while listening or drawing. If they focused on this, maybe they wouldn’t be so ‘naughty.’” She emphasized that a child-friendly design is important: sturdy, colorful, and available in different versions with language-appropriate text. She sees real potential for the breathing circle as a calming tool for kids.
“I really enjoy doing breathing exercises without screens. I never liked guided YouTube meditations. This feels more real.”
Key takeaway: Nika prefers meditating without any digital interfaces and enjoys practicing breathing exercises undistracted. She sees strong potential for the breathing circle to support children with attention and self-regulation challenges, especially in educational settings. Enhancing the tactile experience and making the design kid-friendly could open valuable new applications.
User 3: Črtomir (62, electrical engineer)
At first, Črtomir had some difficulty understanding the English words engraved on the breathing circle, but with his basic knowledge, he soon figured out the inhale–hold–exhale instructions. He said, “I wasn’t sure at first what these words meant, but I got it after a moment.”
He shared that he has never tried meditation before but could see this tool being useful for people who are stressed or those who always feel the need to hold something in their hands. He also agreed that the breathing circle could work well for children in school settings. When asked how he might use it, he said, “Maybe before bed or while watching TV, something to help you relax.”
Since he didn’t understand the concept right away, I explained a bit more about its purpose before we discussed further. Črtomir thought it was a smart and simple solution but suggested some digital enhancements, such as connecting to a phone to show heart rate. He recommended versions with instructions in different languages and a brief explanation on the device to help new users. He joked about the size, saying it should be made for bigger fingers too.
Key takeaway: Črtomir appreciated the simplicity of the breathing circle and its potential to help people manage stress or restlessness, even if they’re new to meditation. Clear instructions and multilingual options would improve accessibility, and some might value digital features for added feedback. Making the design inclusive for different hand sizes could also broaden its appeal.
What I Learned
- Users value a smooth, satisfying rotational movement and a pleasant material feel.
- Size matters: many suggested smaller, more portable versions.
- Clear tactile differentiation for inhale–hold–exhale phases is important.
- Different user groups have distinct needs: minimalistic and elegant for adults; sturdy, colorful, and kid-friendly for children.
- Clear instructions or icons help users understand how to use the tool quickly.
- Some users are interested in optional digital features but want to keep the core experience analog and distraction-free.
Next Iteration Ideas
- Experiment with different materials and surface finishes to improve rotation smoothness and tactile satisfaction.
- Develop smaller versions suitable for carrying in a purse or pocket.
- Enhance tactile cues with deeper engraving or raised elements for easier recognition by touch.
- Design variants tailored for children: durable, colorful, and with language-appropriate text.
- Integrate subtle instructional text or simple icons on the device to aid understanding.
- Explore potential optional digital integrations, like app connectivity, while maintaining a primarily analog experience.
What’s Next?
This initial round of testing provided valuable insights that will guide the next steps in refining the breathing circle. In my upcoming blog post, I’ll share a video showcasing this stage of the prototype in action and reflect on whether it’s meaningful to develop the concept further. Stay tuned to see how this simple analog tool might evolve into a practical aid for mindful breathing and focus.