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Tea, Tech, and Tranquility: Our First Look at ekkomi
What is ekkomi?
ekkomi is a unique meditation service that combines matcha and mindfulness.
This service pairs matcha products with an app, allowing users to meditate while engaging their senses and listening to guided audio.
The matcha comes in a spoon-shaped stick, which dissolves when stirred into a cup of hot water, making it easy to enjoy.
ekkomi Product Image (Image Source.)
How did btrax collaborate with ekkomi?
btrax supported ekkomi by helping design its concept and develop a prototype through a design sprint.
Focusing on the challenge of making meditation a sustainable habit for those who struggle to maintain it, btrax conducted workshops to explore potential solutions. The team emphasized the importance of allowing users to experience the benefits of consistent practice while ensuring meditation remains accessible, even for beginners.
Through repeated brainstorming and refinement sessions with the client, the concept was shaped into a prototype. It was then tested with users, iterating based on their feedback to create a service that better fits their needs.
User Testing in Progress
Ultimately, the app enhances its tracking features, allowing users to intuitively log their meditation sessions, record their emotions before meditating, and track how their feelings change afterward.
Early image from the app’s prototype stage.
We Tried It Out Right Away!
With ekkomi finally launched as a product, everyone at the SF office gave it a try.
It comes in three flavors: Original Matcha, Vanilla Matcha, and Lemon Ginger Mint Matcha. I tried the Vanilla Matcha—based on the name, I expected it to be sweet, but it had a subtle vanilla aroma while maintaining a rich, unsweetened matcha flavor. It was delicious!
The voice guidance is customizable, allowing users to choose their preferred voice and background sounds (ambient noises) to create a personalized experience. It’s a subtle yet important feature that enhances long-term usability.
At the SF office, the team tried ekkomi right after our morning all-hands meeting. It was a great way to start the day with a sense of relaxation.
Beyond relaxation, ekkomi is a useful tool for team building. It could be a great addition to group workshops or icebreaker sessions, helping set the right mindset while creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
Team Feedback
“The tea had a unique, dry, and earthy flavor profile, with the matcha standing out more than the vanilla. While it wasn’t particularly sweet, it had an interesting depth to it. “
“What really stood out to me was the app’s voice guidance—it felt grounding and brought me back down to earth, helping me focus and center myself. It reminded me a lot of the Calm app, which I can see many people appreciating for its soothing and mindful approach. While I didn’t notice any other specific effects from the matcha itself, the overall experience with the app was relaxing and introspective.”
“I felt a sense of calm during the session, and I also enjoyed the taste of matcha.”
“It was more enjoyable than I expected. I liked the visual aspect (like watching the bubbles rise).”
“Relaxing. I also enjoyed seeing the bubbles and the color of the water change.”
“Nice tea for the mornings and making it was calming.”
Conclusion
Meditating with matcha is a unique and enjoyable experience.
I never had a habit of meditating before and always found it difficult to focus, often getting distracted. However, ekkomi makes it easy to follow along with its intuitive app guidance.
The slightly playful UI design is also a nice touch—it’s visually appealing and makes using the app more enjoyable.
Having been involved in the workshops and user testing during development, seeing it become a finished product is truly rewarding.
Click here to learn more about our work with ekkomi on our official case study page.
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