Overall Status Report
This week, we made major visual, functional, and system improvements to Bearbot. On the software side, the web app was updated so that motivational quotes now refresh automatically every 5 minutes based on user feedback. A speech bubble UI element was added to better connect the quotes to Bearbot, and a history navigation feature was implemented for the study tracker. The aroma control was removed from the web app since the aroma is now manually switch-controlled, and the LED control was updated with a glowing light bulb icon for better visual feedback. Through user study sessions with CMU students, we collected pre- and post-interaction data showing decreased stress levels (4.43 to 2.86) and increased focus levels (4.43 to 4.71). Participants also reported high comfort and willingness to reuse Bearbot (averaging around 6.29/7). Over half of participants already used stress/focus tools like music and fidgeting, further validating Bearbot’s multisensory approach. Based on current data, Bearbot passed its primary use case requirements, though we plan to test three more participants. On the hardware side, battery tests exceeded requirements with an average battery life of 7.8 hours, while humidifier tests revealed slightly shorter runtimes than expected, prompting a new CAD iteration. Firmware was also updated to enable continuous song looping. Overall, Bearbot demonstrated strong performance across user validation and technical testing, with minor refinements in progress.
Kayla’s Status Report:
This week, I made several visual and functional improvements to the Bearbot web app based on feedback from our initial user studies.
One piece of feedback mentioned that the motivational quotes should change more often (“maybe every 10 minutes or so”). I updated it so that the quotes now refresh automatically every 5 minutes instead of only when the page is refreshed.
I also added a speech bubble UI element so it’s clearer that Bearbot is “speaking” the quotes. Additionally, I implemented history for the study tracker by adding left/right arrows, as well as button to return back to the current week.
I removed the aroma control component from the webapp, since the aroma feature is now only physically switch-controlled on the Bearbot itself and it’s no longer possible to control it over Arduino. Removing it, meant have to then slightly restructure the layout of the upper right area of the webapp.
I added a light bulb icon to the LED component such that it “glows” when toggled on.
Before updates:
After Updates
Additional Questions
List all unit tests and overall system test carried out for experimentation of the system. List any findings and design changes made from your analysis of test results and other data obtained from the experimentation.
User Study Tests
Participants: CMU students from diverse majors (ECE, MechE, CS, etc.)
Context: Users studied with Bearbot for ~20 minutes in a private study setting.
Data Collected: Pre/post-study surveys + recorded interactions.
**All average values of responses. Will likely include median and standard dev, in report
| Key Metrics | Before | After |
| Stress (1=relaxed, 7=stressed) | 4.43 | 2.86 |
| Focus (1=unfocused, 7=focused) | 4.43 | 4.71 |
| Key Metrics
(1=strongly disagree, 7=strongly agree) |
Before | After |
| User Comfort | — | 6.29 |
| Perceived Emotional Support | — | 5.57 |
| User Concentration | — | 5.83 |
| Would Use Again | — | 6.29 |
Over half of participants (57.1%) reported already using tools like music and fidget aids to manage stress while studying, validating Bearbot’s multisensory design focus on soothing audio and tactile interaction.
Based on pre- and post-session survey data, participants showed decreased stress levels and increased focus after using Bearbot, validating its effectiveness as a study support tool. Most participants were already open to trying new study aids, and the majority expressed comfort with and willingness to reuse Bearbot. Written feedback highlighted Bearbot’s calming atmosphere and functionality, while suggesting small improvements such as quieter motor sounds and enhanced aroma control. Overall, the results strongly support Bearbot’s ability to create a supportive, user-friendly study environment.
We plan to test with 3 more participants, but based on current data:
Passed Use Case Requirement
Taylor’s Status Report:
Final touchups and last minute purchases were made this week for the Bearbot.
A request was made for an acrylic box to display the Bearbot during Demo day.
I also tested another friend with the Bearbot and have a couple more participants that want to study with him next week.
The firmware has also been updated so that songs now loop instead of stopping after the first playthrough.
Additional Questions
List all unit tests and overall system test carried out for experimentation of the system. List any findings and design changes made from your analysis of test results and other data obtained from the experimentation.
Battery Tests :
| Trial | Hour |
| 1 | 5 |
| 2 | 9 |
| 3 | 10 |
| 4 | 7 |
| 5 | 8 |
Average Hours: 7.8
Standard Deviation: 1.9
Passed Use Case Requirement
Notes: First two trials were with rechargeable Amazon Batteries – last three trials were with Duracell Batteries.
Humidifier Tests :
| Trial | Time |
| 1 | 42:25:00 |
| 2 | 44:25:00 |
| 3 | 56:40:00 |
| 4 | 47:28:00 |
| 5 | 43:40:00 |
Average Minutes: 46:55:36
Standard Deviation: 5:45
Refill Rate / 2 Hours: ~2.5
Failed Use Case Requirement
Notes: An additional part was needed for the diffuser that took up some of the area of the hole: another fabrication pass with the CAD
Surveys :