SENSORISM project

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Sensorism powered by Perceptual Thinkers

Product description

PT's current final product is a multifunctional belt pouch. A small accessory that can be used to generate musical sound or even as a communicator. The formal attributes of the bag (7 angles design) are inspired by the seven major scale degrees (movable do solfège: do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti – Kodály method). The seven musical tones can be evoked through the embroidered surface of the bag. The sensors are programmed to also function as communicators: by touching the embroidered parts, they can send a basic sound message of, for example, yes, no, hungry, thirsty, angry, happy, sleepy. So the product can also function as a helpful, functional tool in an autistic person's daily life. In our prototype, the embroidered surfaces would be associated with a sound sample corresponding to a different musical sound. An application running on the mobile phone would forward/play/record the sound via Bluetooth, but a jack plug is also available. The bag is suitable for storing "treasures" of personal belongings, thus fulfilling its original function: a handbag to carry the essential items.

Technological development

The concept of the product is based primarily on sensor-based technology to demonstrate its multiple applications. There are various sizes, materials and usage possible in which this innovation could work well. With further development (coding and testing), the current prototype's innovative surface could hit another level, e.g., combining with light or surface type modification technologies. So, the product development process could include the research for scaling up the current design and form and the broadening of technical solutions. In terms of applications, it could go beyond what fashion can offer and open up new possibilities, for example, in the areas of assistive technology, educational tools. A future product could even function as an instrument, "tuned" with different interfaces (for example, smart devices, mixing software, drum machines, samplers) in terms of digital usage. Thus opening up to larger user groups or helping specific users to integrate. Together with the experts working on the Sensorism project, we evaluated the functionalities of several prototypes. On this basis, we concluded that, in its current state, the technology itself allows so much usage that the design process and the development of the innovative technology will be able to operate in parallel. Future products could be also smaller items, for example, a bracelet or other accessories. What seems to be outlined is that we would like to develop a personal product that offers playful entertainment to its users.

Advantages of the product concept

They can help people with autism to create a pleasant environment and relax playfully (by providing sensory stimulation for the triggers associated with behavioural disorders). Main functional characteristics: can develop tactile sensitivity and reaction time, motor functions and stimulate sensory perception. For the typical user, this product could be fun – musical instrument or item that could offer music composition and sound recording possibilities in addition to its interactive use.

The SENSORISM project was funded by the 2020 László Moholy-Nagy Moholy-Nagy Design Grant!

PERCEPTUAL THINKERS’ TEAM

Dániel Szalkai - designer, founder

Eszter Szász - design manager, sales and marketing specialist, founder

Andor Hofecker - mechatronics, electrical engineer, programmer

Vanda Berecz - bag design and modelling

Dr. Nóra Kollárovics - psychiatrist, autism specialist – consultant

PARTNERS / SPONSORS

Photo: Bea Marjai, Gaál Dániel

Molnár Péter - Maform – professional design consultant

Zsolt Tábori, Nóra Tábori - Fickó Kft - embroidery, foil printing, design

Coil Budapest - tailoring, modelling, garment technology