OrbitHCI - bloom

bloom (OrbitHCI) will be launching a unique consumer product in 2015 that will combine leading edge hardware with a software and services platform designed to enrich the lives of extended families.

Co-founder Keith Kocho knows the challenges of bringing families closer first hand -- he often struggled to facilitate meaningful conversations and connections between his children and his aging father who lived hundreds of miles away. Keith knew that richer, more frequent connection also brought peace of mind. Both sides wanted to engage more with each other, but struggled to find a form that made sense -- and felt comfortable -- for everyone. What’s more, his father had difficulty maneuvering logins, software updates and bouncing icons. He knew there must be a better way to bridge the gap between generations. Enter bloom.

bloom was designed with families in mind. After consulting with geriatric psychologists and closely examining real-life family challenges and dynamics, the bloom team created a product to encourage more proactive opportunities for seamless, enriching communication between grandparents, parents and grandkids. That meant removing technological barriers, integrating photos and videos to spark more enriching conversation, and bringing it all together on one easy-to-use platform.