Elevated memories
Winner of Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Award - 2015
The ask
How can design transform the way we find new connections with loved ones?
Problem
In today’s fast-paced world, life has become increasingly fragmented, with distractions making authentic connections more difficult to maintain. As a result, there is a growing need to find new meaningful ways to preserve and nurture relationships with those who are important in our lives.
Solution
In exploring objects traditionally used to maintain meaningful connections, the research led to the locket—a timeless piece with deep cultural resonance, symbolizing the act of holding memories close. Rather than starting with technology and designing around it, the focus began with the locket’s form, revealing its inherent value.
“Purple merges the past and present, allowing users to carry their most cherished memories in a timeless and modern way.”
— Jennifer Darmour
A modern twist to tradition
Purple reimagines the classic locket, merging its timeless sentiment with modern technology — creating a deeply personal experience, elevating cherished moments, and fostering deeper connections in a meaningful, beautiful way.
Unlike a traditional locket that contains just one memory, Purple contains all of them. Browse keepsakes, save photos, or send a message - with a simple gesture, you can connect to meaningful memories of the people and moments that matter most.
Jewelry first, tech second
What sets Purple apart is how it elevates personal connection with the locket’s jewelry-first design and intuitive functionality. Whether it’s the diamonds set in the lid that are backlit by the display, the precious metal chain, or the elegant shape that fits perfectly in your hand as you interact with memories inuitively—every detail is seamlessly and thoughtfully integrated.
Peek.
Effortlessly view a shared message or photo, or revisit a cherished moment.
Pause.
Take a moment from your day to reminisce about a cherished memory, free from distractions.
Smile.
Reflect and smile, laugh, or even cry as you experience the rich, wonderful emotions that come with shared memories.
A journey of heart, business and insights
With a proof-of-concept prototype prepared for manufacturing and a working mobile app, Purple aimed to merge design and technology in a way that would set an example for the industry. While the locket had great potential due to its mass appeal and significant interest from global distribution partners, there were two key challenges at the time, which led to the project being put on hold:
Navigating international suppliers for display components proved difficult, with global technology companies driving up prices and reducing negotiation power. Integrating the display, battery, and firmware added layers of complexity and cost.
Despite securing distribution deals, raising millions for production was challenging. The product, straddling tech and jewelry, confused investors from both sectors, making it hard to secure funding.
Despite this, the work remains an inspiring exploration of how technology can deepen human connection. A concept ahead of its time, the experience of creating the locket design, a working prototype, and securing investors provided key insights for future product and business endeavors. Now that time has past and round displays have come to mass markets, future efforts will focus on continuing to refine the design, leveraging the locket’s natural, nostalgic interactions while taking advantage of lower component cost.