Process

Our main concern was finding the appropriate context to design for. what is meant by appropriate is where the product will be more useful to the user than a conventional communication means. Ideally, where there is no allowed regular communication at all (army contexts or prisoners). After a couple of iterations we were inspired by black mirrors episode "Black museum" to embed a communication system in a teddy bear. We felt that all what a solider in a foreign country or a prisoner needs is to check on their loved ones and say "I love you" or "I need a hug" when he is feeling down and receives  response in the same way.  

For the prototype itself, we cared about all buttons and speakers to be as inconspicuous as possible because that's the whole of the device, is to not show up as a walkie talkie. rather, a normal smart teddy bear that helps you check on your loved ones.