Inclusive Technology

The ‘Routine’ alarm clock by designer Gloria Jung offers a quiet but powerful statement: technology should serve everyone. Thoughtfully imagined with accessibility at its core, this conceptual alarm clock doesn’t rely on the usual jarring beeps or vibrations. Instead, it uses gentle, ambient light to guide users into and out of sleep—an elegant solution for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or simply seeking a more peaceful start to the day. Waking Up, Thoughtfully Most traditional alarm clocks focus on volume—be it through loud sounds or strong vibrations. The Routine clock turns this notion on its head. Rather than waking users with noise, it awakens them with light—a soft, rising glow that mimics the natural cues of morning. This kind of sensory shift is subtle but meaningful, especially for those sensitive to sound or living with auditory impairments. It brings a new level of calm and dignity to the simple act of waking up. Minimal Form, Maximum Function Visually, the Routine clock is as minimalist as it is mindful. The top half is free of numbers or clutter—just a clean, glowing surface that changes brightness. Time setting is managed via an intuitive touch-based interface discreetly embedded in the base, which keeps the user experience simple and inclusive. The sleek base doubles as a wireless charger for smartphones, helping to declutter nightstands and consolidate daily devices into one unified design. Jung’s design speaks to a growing appreciation for products that are not only functional but also visually harmonious. This clock doesn’t demand attention—it earns it, by being elegantly efficient. Redefining What an Alarm Clock Can Be While the Routine alarm clock remains a conceptual piece, it reflects a broader shift in design and tech thinking: an emphasis on universal design, where inclusivity and beauty can coexist. By stepping away from convention and focusing on user comfort—especially for communities often overlooked in mainstream product development—designers like Jung are reminding us that “routine” doesn’t have to mean ordinary. This concept also taps into a wider trend of light-based wellness tech—devices that use circadian-friendly light to support better sleep, mood, and focus. It’s part of the same movement inspiring sunrise lamps, light therapy panels, and ambient room lighting—all aimed at helping people reconnect with natural rhythms in an age of screens and schedules. The Bigger Picture Products like the Routine alarm clock suggest new opportunities for industries beyond just consumer electronics. In healthcare, such gentle wake-up tools can be used in hospitals or senior care settings. In home décor, they can become both utility and art—blending into the bedroom as a beautiful object with a practical role. And in the world of accessibility-focused design, they reinforce the idea that thoughtful innovations don’t need to look or feel clinical—they can be stylish, modern, and universally appealing. Conclusion   The Routine alarm clock by Gloria Jung is more than a bedside gadget—it’s a vision of what design can become when empathy meets innovation. In a world that often equates louder with better, this concept reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful solutions are also the quietest.