Nocturne | Nourishment Within Reach

The literature review examined the physical, hormonal and psychological factors contributing to disrupted sleep during pregnancy, alongside existing interventions and products. It established the foundation for the project, highlighting the limitations of current solutions and opportunities for more pregnancy-specific design approaches.

Surveys collected first-hand experiences from mothers who had experienced pregnancy within the previous four years. Responses revealed common sleep disruptions, changing needs throughout pregnancy and postpartum, and limitations in existing solutions. The findings helped validate research themes and identify opportunities for more accessible, practical maternal support.

Industry interviews with maternal healthcare professionals provided practical insight into the challenges mothers experience during pregnancy and postpartum. Discussions highlighted the importance of nutrition, preparation, nighttime routines and physical comfort, helping identify overlooked needs and translate professional perspectives into meaningful design opportunities.

Nocturne uses 360-degree swivel castor wheels to allow the cabinet to move smoothly and manoeuvre easily around the bedroom or house, regardless of the direction it needs to travel. To keep the unit stable when in use, locking wheels are positioned on opposite sides of the cabinet. This ensures that at least one locking wheel is easily accessible from either side, so users can secure the unit without having to search around for a brake.

Universal design was an important consideration throughout Nocturne’s development, with key elements positioned centrally to ensure consistent accessibility regardless of where the unit is placed. Whether positioned on the left or right side of a bed, or beside a couch, the plug and other functional features remain in the same relative position. This allows the cabinet to adapt to different room layouts and user preferences without compromising ease of use or requiring users to reach around the unit to access essential features.

The extendable tray provides a compact surface for everyday use, with the option to fold out and create additional space that extends further across the bed when needed. Its clamshell-style design also allows the upper section to fold back over the tray, creating an enclosed space where a plate of food scraps can be temporarily stored overnight. This keeps the area tidy and contains leftovers until they can be cleared away in the morning.

All internal compartments and drawers use a push-to-open mechanism, removing the need for external handles and maintaining Nocturne’s clean, minimal aesthetic. This also provides a practical advantage, allowing the drawer fronts to sit flush with the surrounding surfaces and maximise the available internal storage space. By eliminating protruding handles, the design remains streamlined while making the compartments easy to access with a simple push.