Comfort Cushion
The comfort cushion is designed to simulate a hug for a lonely person in aged care who suffers from dementia. Due to the difficulty this audience has of communication with others, the vibrotactile haptics create an easy dialogue between the cushion and user.
Rapid prototyping and sketching assisted in creating the ideal shape to embrace the body ergonomically. The 1:1 scan prototype on the right was approved by an expert.
In order to make the cushion, a custom pattern was required. This consisted of two pieces as shown on the left. Pockets are also sewn on the interior to hold the pressure sensors and coin vibrators in place. A zipper is located on the base of the cushion for easy access to the haptics and stuffing.
The above image is the haptics set up for testing.
When speaking to the dementia expert, we did an activity together to access the best placement of haptics within the cushion. This evaluation above is the result of the activity.
These images above are the outcome of the Comfort Cushion.
The three materials chosen are Fur, Dimpled mink and Sherpa. These all provide tactile comfort.
This logic diagram describes the potential input and output of the haptics within the Comfort Cushion.
The first vibration pattern simulates a calm respiratory rate placed strategically near the lungs so the user can feel and mirror the calm RR. The importance of the second vibration pattern is it simulates the heartbeat of a person, adding to the sensory stimulation of hugging a human. The third and fourth vibration patterns provide an element of play.
