Human communication has been dramatically altered by the emergence of the internet and other communication technologies. Technology facilitates communication in a way that offers both benefits and potential dangers. For example, for those experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence, technology may be used by the perpetrator to extend the psychological and emotional aspects of abuse. This is accomplished by harassment via information communication technology, monitoring of devices, and deprivation of technology by taking or breaking devices. Technology also makes it possible to find domestic violence services and resources online and to communicate with others. With technology offering potential benefits and dangers, this study was conducted to gain insight about the role of technology in help-seeking behaviors and its potential to serve those leaving abusive relationships.

Through the use of Arizona State University’s Founders Lab, our group of four Barrett, the Honors College Students completed a research thesis regarding the interest of college students in a sleep light technology product. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) pioneered a sleep light technology with the ability to regulate melatonin production and circadian rhythm, resulting in an improvement of sleep quality. The technology was originally invented for astronauts to improve their sleep while in space on a spacecraft. Utilizing this technology, our group performed extensive market research with the intention of determining if college students would be interested in purchasing a consumer product incorporating the sleep light technology. We created a brand called Rhythm Illumination and began by building a website and brand guide. Next, we utilized Google Forms to generate responses to a variety of questions regarding current sleep habits, current sleep problems, and whether or not there was interest in a product like this. After determining that college students have room for sleep quality improvement and there is interest in this kind of product, we worked towards our goal of gaining traction for the product. We decided to utilize both Google Analytics results and a Zoom event’s attendance as proof of interest in our product. Google Analytics revealed over one hundred unique users on our Rhythm Illumination website. We also had eleven event attendees. Between these two tools, our team was able to conclude that there is interest among college students for a consumer product utilizing NASA’s sleep light technology