Embrace 

Research

For initial research, I looked at existing products and created survey questions to better understand the demographic and market competition.

A majority of the existing products are either physical, digital, or on a small handheld scale.

First, I had to ask the question: Why do people feel lonely?

Survey Data

 After looking at the data, I asked myself a new question.

Can I create a soft good that comforts people through the sense of touch?

 Developed Concepts

 With concepts I was happy with, I interviewed people who are diagnosed or identify with a mental illness. I wanted to get their opinion on what they would like for a product like this.

Concept User Feedback

 After the interviews, I decided to move forward with concepts 3 and 6 to the prototyping stage.

 Prototyping

When creating each prototype I would first create a CAD model in Solidworks. This helped me create the pattern blocks and understand how to put each piece together.

I individually measured in Solidworks to convert each surface into a flat pattern block. This led me to have a nearly accurate pattern to create the prototype. 

User Testing

Each prototype was tested by a user. After the trial period was over I asked what they found enjoyable, what could be better, what could be gone, and what they would like to see in future prototypes.

Key Takeaways

• Leg Support is great, but size and shape need to change.

• Increase the size of the head hole.

• Add supports for the waist.

• Storage is awkward, consider modularity.

• Putting it on and taking it off could be improved.

 Concept Refinement

Process Book

With the final prototype developed, we were assigned to make a process book. If you would like to further look through the project please feel free to view the book below.

Final Product

Photography Credit: Derek Oliwa