My Zone Chair for Sensory Processing Issues
In my final semester at Olin, I and three teammates collaborated with a local school to create a tool to promote academic success for students with sensory processing difficulties. After much ideation and several meetings in which we were able to acquaint ourselves with the students, we identified a solution that was exciting to us and to the users. We decided to create a chair attachment that would support:
We wanted this project to be made of low-cost and accessible materials and easy manufacturing methods so that anyone could make more of them. We worked through several prototypes to get the stiffness and softness we wanted. I love the intersection of engineering and art and its ability to create solutions to address real people's real needs.
- focus by blocking visual distraction.
- self-regulation by establishing physical boundaries for spatially unaware students.
- the feeling of "mine" by creating a comforting, intimate, and safe space for the students.
- self-esteem and self-confidence by making something "cool".
We wanted this project to be made of low-cost and accessible materials and easy manufacturing methods so that anyone could make more of them. We worked through several prototypes to get the stiffness and softness we wanted. I love the intersection of engineering and art and its ability to create solutions to address real people's real needs.
