SkinSense
SkinSense is an interactive skin that aims to both identify rising stress levels in the user, as well as provide a means to reduce the stress response. The design achieves this by raising awareness to the user of their heightened emotional state through the physical form (made with Pyralux) changing from a smooth to a rigid shape. This shape change alerts them of their stress reaction and prompts a physical interaction (patting) to smooth the form back out. By engaging in repetitive patting motions this causes a relaxation response, reducing stress levels.
Stress is frequently left undetected or untreated leading to the development of anxiety. Research shows that these behaviours can create further problems such as causing anxiety attacks. These often occur without one consciously knowing they are suppressing internal stress reactions, letting it build to later flare ups. SkinSense has the ability to identify when the user is stressed, providing early detection, and therefor can be used as both as prevention and treatment of stress.
Caroline Vasta
Product Design Honours Student 2016
