Cuebic

In an increasingly globalized world, long-distance relationships (LDRs) have become a common reality. Across the US alone, 14 million people navigate the challenges of maintaining emotional connections across vast distances. While existing communication tools excel at conveying verbal messages, they often fall short in capturing those subtle, non-verbal exchanges of affection that nurtures intimacy.
Enter Cuebic - a pair of innovative communication devices designed to bridge this emotional gap. Cuebic communicates without speaking, it allows couples in LDRs to express their moods, and keep track of schedules even in different time zones and more - all through a series of playful interactions that almost become a part of their daily lives.
At its core, Cuebic addresses a fundamental question: What if long-distance couples could communicate beyond text and calls? Inspired by the principles of Calm Design, Cuebic merges with the periphery and subtly demands your attention only when it has something to tell you. Place it on your desk or nightstand, and feel it become a fun embodiment of your partner!
The cube-shaped device features a screen displaying the partner's avatar, mood, and activity status, while a ring around the screen shows a 12-hour schedule synced from the user's calendar. Users can update their mood by simply flipping the device to display different mood chips on each side. A double tap brings up a status menu, allowing partners to share their current activity. The device also enables the sending of virtual hugs, warmed by the sender's own body heat, and even transmits the user's real-time heartbeat through the cube's vibration motors.
Complementing the physical device, a companion mobile app allows users to customize their experience, view interaction history, and gain insights into their relationship patterns. This combination creates a holistic solution for maintaining emotional closeness across distances.
By focusing on the often-overlooked aspects of non-verbal communication in LDRs, Cuebic offers a unique and meaningful way for couples to stay connected.