Industrial - Bachelor
OCHU is a wearable assistive dance device designed to support older adults in maintaining confidence and coordination during social dance. Using gentle vibration cues, it guides rhythm and movement without drawing attention, helping users stay engaged, connected, and active within their dance communities as cognitive functions change with age.
As memory and coordination gradually change with age, dance can become challenging to follow. Ochu aims to bridge this gap through haptic guidance, allowing dancers to stay in sync without visual or verbal prompts. The design celebrates inclusion, ensuring users remain part of the community they love.
The electronic housing attaches to the belt through a Velcro mount, allowing it to be easily separated after use. The remote controller connects magnetically to the main housing, enabling quick detachment when needed. This setup makes the device simple to recharge, maintain, and reassemble — while keeping the user experience seamless and intuitive.
Every component, from the vibration cells to the magnetic housing and flexible neoprene belt, was designed to merge technology with empathy. The exploded view reveals the compact integration of electronics and structure, emphasizing both precision and simplicity.
Kye Schofield is an Electrical and Aerospace Engineering and Industrial Design student passionate about robotics, control systems, and human-centered design. His work blends technical precision with creative design, developing innovative products that bridge engineering, aesthetics, and real-world usability