A brand new backer update II including shipping info
over 7 years ago – Thu, Jul 06, 2017 at 09:37:06 PM

In the past weeks we've been focusing on user-testing the designs. This has given us many valuable insights in how to refine the technical components that are the backbone of HEY. We already informed you that we've been working on finding the right ‘squeeze’ in order to mimic a feeling as close to a human touch as possible.

After much testing we were able to find the optimal balance of speed and strength, with a mechanism that is small and silent. To describe the feeling: when someone sends you a touch, your bracelet will tighten itself in a gentle pace, pulling the wristband from normal to a bit tighter and releasing it to normal again. You don’t have to worry about your blood circulation :) Furthermore, we've been able to make this mechanism so compact, that it is possible for us to make HEY even smaller. Win, win!

Below you’ll find images and a video accompanied by new information about the user test, size and fit and charging

User test squeeze with feels like real prototype - Finding the optimal balance between squeezing power and squeezing speed. Way more difficult than it sounds, but we did it!    

Size and fit - HEY is now smaller than before. We are super happy with the way it looks 
and fits. With this new size, HEY fits comfortably around almost anyone's wrist.

Charging- Instead of using a proprietary charger we decided to incorporate a hidden Micro USB port for charging. This means that you can use virtually any Micro USB cable to charge HEY (don't worry we will still provide one as well). No more digging around in your bag for that one specific cable.

We can imagine that you have a lot of questions about this update. One question in particular has come up quite frequently: “When will the bracelets be shipped?” With the outcome of the user testing we were able to make improvements to the bracelet such as fit, realistic squeeze and sound reduction. However, this has an impact on our initial shipping date. Meaning that we will not be able to start shipping this summer. We are backed by three very experienced partners and we can assure you we do whatever it takes to start shipping the bracelets before coming winter.

Feel free to send all your questions to Tarja at [email protected]. She will collect your questions and make sure they are all answered and shared with the HEY community. One’s question is an answer for all!

The HEY-team.

A brand new backer update
over 7 years ago – Sat, Jun 10, 2017 at 12:19:29 AM

Here it is, the latest status update on HEY! So, what have we been up to? A lot! From the development of the app and communication infrastructure, to further optimizing the product design and technique, and choosing top of the bill production partners for our project. We have spoken to many parties and after a strict selection procedure, we have chosen a team of three companies each with their own expertise, that have already successfully worked together on previous projects similar to HEY.

Our production partners
We are working with the well-known Dutch design firm Van Berlo, to finalize the technical design of HEY as we move towards production. We are partnering with Quant Consultancy Electronics to optimize the design of all of the electronic components that go into HEY bracelet. Finally, UK-run production company WingPow, ISO 9001 production quality and 14001 environmental responsibility certified and member of SEDEX for ethical manufacturing, will assemble and produce HEY in their factory near Hong Kong, once we are satisfied with the final production designs.

During the process of finalizing HEY, we continue to improve on the feeling of the squeeze to bring it as close as possible to the feeling of a real human touch. More on this and other news will follow shortly.

Survey 
- 85% of the Backer Kit surveys have been filled out. We thank our backers for their quick response! If you belong to the remaining 15% please let us know if we can help you fill out your survey (note that e-mails are sent by House of Haptics, the company behind HEY bracelet). 
- Winners of a set of HEY bracelets will receive a separate survey soon.

We’ll stay in touch! The HEY- team. 


Last surveys have been sent!
over 7 years ago – Sat, May 06, 2017 at 12:03:11 AM

We started sending out the surveys last week. Today we sent out the last of the bunch!

It's important to respond to your survey as quickly as you can since we need this information for fulfilling your rewards. You do not need to create a BackerKit account to fill out your survey. Just click on the survey link, fill it out, and you’re all good to go! You'll be able to answer questions about your rewards preferences, provide shipping information, and pledge for more “add-ons” if you like. If you decide later that you want to edit your survey response, you can go back to your survey and change it anytime before we lock down the surveys for processing. 

Keep an eye on your inbox! 

Stay in touch!

The surveys are on their way!
over 7 years ago – Sun, Apr 30, 2017 at 12:34:35 AM

We are finalizing our surveys together with the team from Backerkit. We will start sending the first ones out this weekend. Important to understand is that we will not send out all surveys at once, but we’ll be sending them out in batches. This we do in order to have the flexibility to adjust some surveys based upon feedback from you as backers. We aim for having all surveys sent out before the end of next week.

We will share an update as soon as all surveys have been sent. Meaning that you can contact us after that update, if you didn’t receive a survey. In that case, we will handle your case separately. On top of that, you can expect an update on the production process. Gijs, our chief of product, will share an update that focusses on product development! Keep an eye on your inbox!

The Backer Kit Survey
over 7 years ago – Tue, Apr 18, 2017 at 08:47:06 PM

You’ve been awaiting the e-mail regarding your shipment details!  

We came across some technical hick-ups featuring the separate shipment deal into the survey. And as we want to make sure everyone receives a complete and correct survey, we had to solve this issue together with the people of Backer Kit.

Although it’s still a couple of months away before those bracelets are heading your way, we understand that this is an important moment. We apologize for the delay.

So, where do we stand?
• Together with Backer Kit we’re currently setting up all surveys and running last checks to make sure all is well organized.
• We expect to send out the survey’s before the end of April

Thank you for your patience and remember: have any questions? Get in touch! 

The HEY-team.