Kyra Balmforth
Industrial Design
Hi I'm Kyra - I strive to uncover and understand user behaviours to design and create positive behaviour change.
Final year project
Norma - A breast health monitoring tool, to assist and guide women through a breast check with confidence.
Meet Norma
47% of women do not check their breasts regularly. Norma is a breast health monitoring tool, designed to assist and guide people through a breast check. To reduce the confusion and provide a safe, supportive place to record results. Norma is aimed at those aged 18-50 who are not yet invited to regular screenings. Designed to be incorporated into the self-care routine, to empower young women, giving them the confidence to take control and understand their own breast health getting to know their normal and remove the stigma of checking.
About Norma
Norma utilises pressure sensors, for mapping to generate signals in response to pressure as the device is pressed against and moved over the breast to detect changes in breast tissue density. An LED at the front indicates the reading has been taken. These results can then be compared to previous months, in order to identify changes as soon as possible.
Norma - App
The user is able to create a profile of their chest using the smartphone camera to generate a 3D profile with biometric data points collected and other body measurements input. The norma app notifies the user of the best time to check their breasts, based on data insights into their menstrual cycle. For ‘online checking’ the user is able to follow on-screen markers to guide them through the check for more support and visibly see the areas they have completed. Checks are recorded and previous months' insights can be accessed. Other changes can also be logged in the app, to help the user next time they check to notice any differences.
Norma - Routine
Norma is made from soft-touch medical grade silicone, so its safe to come in contact with the skin. Norma is also safe for use in the shower where the user may be more comfortable and feel at one with their body. The front section houses the sensors and is solid silicone, tactile and flexible to the touch. While there is no definitive method of preventing breast cancer, checking regularly to get to know your normal leads to early detection and can provide the best chance of effective treatment.
Norma - Functionality
Norma uses a 9-axis IMU to track its position in relation to the chest profile created on the app after calibration. This then enables the LEDs on the base to light up as each area of one breast is covered. Norma vibrates once one breast check is complete. This way norma can be used away from the app for an ‘offline check’, with all results being available on the app after the check.
Norma - Range
The norma range comprises two solid silicone colours and translucent silicone skin. These are designed to compliment the home environment and create a calming experience incorporated into the user's self-care routine.
Norma - Packaging
Normas packaging is designed to create a simple unboxing experience, with product instructions and a small natural cotton reusable drawstring bag, to store and transport norma in.
Prototyping
A range of low fidelity clay modelling and 3D printed prototypes were produced to evaluate shape and size. Then a range of high fidelity liquid silicone injected prototypes were produced. By creating a resin 3D printed mould, I was able to inject medical grade liquid silicone over an internal hard 3D printed shell to replicate as close as possible to the final device. This was crucial to evaluate the silicone flexibility, interaction and tactility of the device with users.
Kyra Balmforth
Final year project
Norma - A breast health monitoring tool, to assist and guide women through a breast check with confidence.
Work Experience
Aug 20’ - Aug 21’ (1 yr 1 mos)
V2 Studios (Design Consultancy), Designer
I gained valuable experience within this strategic design consultancy. I was involved in creating innovative and meaningful products, services and experiences for an international client base. This opportunity allowed me to develop a wide range of skills from research, strategy, design, prototyping, branding, visualisation and manufacturing support.
Aug 20’ - Aug 21’ (1 yr 1 mos)
Vitamin (Furniture and Lighting Brand), Designer
The opportunity at Vitamin enabled me to experience a different side of design and develop a wider range of skills. Including sales and marketing within a small design company liaising with manufacturers, retailers and press.