TICK TASK
This project explored how to bring the phygital concept into Sonae MC’s non-food private label, designing a product that supports parents in fostering kids’ autonomy and daily routines.
June, 2019
product vision.
A smartwatch designed to foster children’s independence by guiding them through daily tasks in a playful, structured way. Parents can set routines and reminders, while kids receive timely prompts that turn everyday activities into moments of learning, confidence, and autonomy.
design process.
For this project, I followed the Double Diamond framework, using it as a foundation to move from problem exploration to solution delivery. Along the way, I integrated additional UX methods such as user stories and task flows to keep the process focused on real user needs.
understanding the problem.
Research revealed that mornings are one of the most stressful moments for families with young children. Parents often juggle multiple tasks like preparing meals, getting the kids ready, organizing bags. All of this while children are tired, distracted, or resistant to routines.
One of the strongest pain points identified was the need for constant repetition. Parents reported that asking children over and over to complete tasks was emotionally draining. In fact, 50% of interviewed parents stated that maintaining their children’s routines is the biggest source of stress at home.
This cycle leads to frustration, fear of not being a “good parent,” and a reduced quality of time spent together.
Research Findings:
Stress Transfer
Parental stress is mirrored by children, amplifying morning struggles
Limited Autonomy
Children resist when told what to do but are more engaged when learning by example
Technology Reliance
Screens are often used to keep children occupied, yet many parents feel guilty about overexposure
The challenge was not only to design a tool that could support task completion, but also to create an experience that nurtures children’s independence, builds self-esteem, and strengthens family relationships in the process.
user persona.
To synthesize the findings from interviews and observations, the persona Sousa’s Family was created to represent common patterns among families with young children.
This helped align the team on user needs, priorities, and frustrations, ensuring the design remained grounded in real experiences.
Sara, 36 years old
A creative graphic designer who often struggles to find time for herself in the middle of family routines
Luis, 37 years old
A pragmatic manager who values stability and financial security for his family
Pedrinho, 6 years old
An energetic child with big dreams, easily distracted but eager to play and imagine
Mariana, 3 years old
The youngest in the family, still dependent on her parents for routines and care
Likes:
Spending time with family and friends;
Watching TV together;
Traveling by car;
Weekly supermarket trips for books, toys, sports items, and electronics;
Dislikes / Frustrations:
Lack of time for self-care (Sara);
Stress from traffic during commutes;
Doing sports in the rain (Luis);
Throwing away food;
Shopping with kids, especially Pedrinho’s hyperactivity;
user journey & experience.
The user journey maps how parents interact with the companion app, from onboarding to setting up routines for their child’s smartwatch. It highlights the key touchpoints where parents schedule tasks, monitor progress, and reward achievements.
This flow shows how the app goes beyond basic functionality, becoming a support system that helps reduce stress for parents and build independence in children.
ideation.
style guide.
the watch.
the app.
key takeaways.
This project reinforced the value of designing for the whole family. Supporting parents while encouraging children’s independence. Grounding the work in research kept the solution focused on real needs and made the connection between digital and physical touchpoints stronger.
What Worked Well
Research insights directly shaped features and flows;
Gamification increased children’s motivation and engagement;
Visual consistency between the app and smartwatch strengthened the phygital concept;
What Could Be Improved
Broader testing with more diverse families;
Explore long-term engagement strategies to sustain motivation;
Further refine onboarding to simplify parent setup;
Skills Strengthened
User research synthesis (personas, journeys, insight mapping);
Design system thinking across digital + physical products;
In the end, this project wasn’t just about designing a smartwatch. It was about rethinking how families experience their daily routines. The goal was to ease the pressure parents feel when constantly repeating instructions and to turn everyday tasks into opportunities for children to grow more independent and confident. By combining research insights with playful design, the solution aimed to reduce stress at home, strengthen parent–child relationships, and make daily life not only easier for parents but also more engaging and enjoyable for kids.
