Cora creates moments of connection that can be shared between parents, partners, and loved ones throughout pregnancy. Through gentle vibrations, loved ones are able to feel the baby’s heartbeat in a calming and intimate way.
To use Cora, the sensing device is gently placed on the mother’s stomach where it captures the baby’s heartbeat. The heartbeat is then translated into soft rhythmic vibrations through the handheld pebble. Prenatal bonding plays an important role in supporting emotional connection during pregnancy while also helping families feel more present and involved before baby arrives. Creating calm, positive interactions through touch, voice, and shared experiences contribute to early emotional development and help strengthen attachment after birth.
The problem.
Ideation.
Rapid protoytping and user testing.
My prototyping process involved experimenting with a range of materials and manufacturing processes to develop and refine multiple iterations. Using foam, cardboard, clay and 3D printing allowed me to quickly explore form, ergonomics and functionality before arriving at the final design. Throughout the process, I conducted user testing to gather feedback and identify opportunities for improvement. Observing how people physically interacted with the product was crucial in shaping the design, ensuring the final outcome was both intuitive and successful.
Design for manufacture.
This image displays the internal components that Cora would include.
Cora was designed with injection moulding in mind, considering wall thickness, draft angles and parting lines. Snap-fit connections were incorporated to simplify assembly and reduce the need for additional fasteners. Iterative prototyping helped refine the design for efficient manufacture while maintaining a clean, seamless form.
Branding.
The Cora brand was developed to feel calm, reassuring and approachable, moving away from the clinical aesthetic often associated with pregnancy technology. A soft, minimal visual identity was created to reflect the product’s focus on reassurance and connection, with consistent typography, colour and imagery carried across the product and wider brand experience.
