Still Vibration
// Wearable tech pants for paraplegic women with haptic motors.
+ Exhibited at ITP spring show (2016).
+ Project Timeline: 6 weeks
+ Design Type: Exemplar
Paraplegic people are at risk of developing bedsores [pressure ulcers], which once formed, become a chronic source of pain, suffering, and in some cases can lead to life-threatening complications.
The goal of this project is to empower, engage and delight paraplegic women by designing & crafting pants which meet the unique requirements of the sitting figure in terms of pattern construction, needs and materials.
Inspired by athletic wear and the Space Age aesthetic, the pants are meant to look cool and communicate style.
The pants design incorporates two sets of 5 removable soft vibration motor buttons on each thigh, which can be activated by hand pressing. The vibration buttons serve as a tangible reminder to shift one’s weight every 15 to 20 minutes in the wheelchair, a common recommendation for preventative measures to avoid the formation of bedsores.
