Numa: Immersive Projection System for Confined Spaces

Numa is a conceptual digital device designed to transform elevator interiors into emotionally responsive environments. Positioned at the intersection of spatial computing, environmental storytelling, and therapeutic interface design, Numa introduces a projection-based system that reimagines vertical transit as a moment of emotional support.
Developed in response to claustrophobic anxiety, the product is grounded in a user study involving 317 participants, where over 80 percent reported distress or discomfort in elevators. These reactions are linked to trauma-related stress responses, reduced control, and activation of the autonomic nervous system. Numa addresses these triggers by integrating principles of exposure therapy, aesthetic psychology, and ambient interaction.
It offers two operational modes that function seamlessly under both normal and power-failure conditions. Daily Mode presents ambient scenes along the upper portion of the cabin walls. Visuals such as forest canopies, slow-moving underwater forms, or stars in motion are calibrated to guide breath and reduce sensory tension. Emergency Mode is triggered by elevator malfunctions or acute user stress. In this mode, the projection expands to the entire interior, offering full-cabin visual immersion to support emotional regulation and reduce panic.
The system features three visual environments that are calibrated to align with autonomic responses and personal anxiety patterns: Forest, Underwater, and Starscape. Forest creates a sensation of organic enclosure, Underwater provides low-frequency motion for rhythm and grounding, and Starscape supports stillness and gentle dissociation.
Technically, Numa combines spatial scanning with projection mapping, using fixed-position markers to maintain visual clarity across different elevator models. The device is silent, requires no personal device or login, and is activated by a simple user gesture or button interface.
This concept redefines the digital device as something more than functional. As a micro-brand of emotional safety, Numa expands the future of digital product design, where technology becomes poetic, architectural, and human-centered.