Senz
A therapeutic wearable device that help alleviate mental health maladies through haptic sensations and lights.
Team Project
2021 Fall, 5 weeks
Disruptive Devices (RISD)
Info:
Team:
Kennedy Liu (Engineer)
Cole Maisonpierre (Designer)
Skills:
Industrial Design; Electronics; Prototyping
Tools:
Solidworks; Illustrator; 3D Printing; Arduino
Role:
Creating concept sketches, form investigation, System Integration
Senz offers customized haptic / Light experience while offering remote connection between therapists and clients.
Initial Research
Through a brief survey we sent out to younger user groups between the age of 20 - 25, we tried to understand their priorities and preferred sensory triggers
Interviews With Therapists
I interviewed several therapists in learning about their practices and understanding the potential applications of haptic in relieving psychosomatic stress.
There are Opportunities For Customization in The Therapeutic Haptic Devices
Concepts
I experimented with forms that are held easily by hand and bring comfort and confidence to the user in a public space.
Initial Prototype
Between a stationary, handheld, and wearable, I decided to pursue a watch-like form factor that brings a sense of familiarity and portability to the users.
Using 3D printing, I experimented with different textures, placements of haptic motors, and the device hand band design.
Hand Strap Design
I experimented with different ways haptic motors can be imbedded in the hand straps and found that the wrist strap design is much less intrusive than the palm strap.
Synchronization With Therapists
We simulated the remote user experience of Senz when paired with a personal therapist. Celeste Labadie (LMFT). In a recorded video, Celeste explores the various emotions with her client. Senz at the same time materializes the abstract into actual sensations through light and haptics.
Electronic Integration
With the electronics ready (by Kennedy Liu), I designed the housing that packs the internals in a tight space while ensuring the functionality of various sensors and input devices.
Final Design
SENZ is a wearable device aimed to bring accessible mental health care to the user through haptic and light feedbacks.
Making Remote Therapy Tangible
With the integrated touch and visual stimuli, SENZ can be easily applied to existing practices for therapists, supporting its users on a daily basis while bringing more interactivity to remote therapy experiences.
A Screen-less Smart Device
Senz wants to take the user away from a screen intensive environment and focus solely on the touch and visual sensations.
Connectivity with app
SENZ is connected to the SENZ app through Bluetooth. Users can explore different meditation exercises that involve haptic and light sensations.
SENZ also allows therapists to design more interactive remote therapy sessions with their clients.
