Year
2023
TYPE
PHYSICAL + DIGITAL
Category
PRODUCT DESIGN
Project Duration
4 MONTHS
The project began with an exploration into mobility disorders and the growing prevalence of arthritis, aiming to understand the diverse challenges faced by individuals with physical disabilities. Through conversations with users across a range of conditions, the research revealed the nuanced abilities and unique limitations of each person given their pre-existing conditions. This highlighted the need for identifying the appropriate phase of intervention.
The breakthrough insight was that very few technologies address repetitive muscle stress, despite its strong link to degenerative conditions. As our everyday tasks like typing, driving, or cleaning become more repetitive and demanding, the risk of long-term strain increases. Thus, it is important to raise awareness and advocate for proactive, accessible tech that helps people protect their bodies before damage is done.
Designing MuscleIT required balancing advanced functionality with everyday wearability. It was crucial to create a form that could house electronics like EMG sensors on the wrist while standing apart from generic fitness wearables. Over 20 prototypes were developed to explore ergonomics, aesthetics, and material strength. This finally culminated in a distinctive crescent-shaped strap that delivered both comfort and durability without compromising on technical performance.
The final design is accompanied by a functional UI/UX flow that guides users through setting up specific activities, with driving showcased as a primary use case here. The interface allows users to select an activity, calibrate muscle zones, and receive real-time feedback on strain levels.
