Industrial - Bachelor
The StudyVibes vibrating desk mat has been designed for people with ADHD completing tertiary education qualifications. It features a sensory-friendly inbuilt timer and clock system which uses physical vibrations to alert users to time passed rather than audio cues. It is hoped that StudyVibes will make tertiary education more accessible by promoting time management, focus, and executive function.
Tertiary education is an essential entry requirement for many professional fields, including healthcare, education and law (Hurley et al., 2023). For people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, the characteristics of the disorder such as impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention can make the study required to achieve the qualification disproportionately difficult (Kripilani, 2023). Often, people experience challenges with time management, procrastination, executive function, maintaining focus, and increased sensory experiences. This can increase feelings of anxiety associated with tertiary education, complicating their experiences of tertiary education.
I’m really bad at procrastination.
university student, diagnosed with adhd
Through the primary research methods of semi-structured interviews and surveys, it became evident that intense procrastination and lack of time awareness cause the biggest challenges for students with ADHD. For many, this can lead to further challenges, including adverse mental health and self-worth, reduction in grades, and failure to meet academic deadlines. In addition to this, 77% of survey respondents (adults over 18 years who have a suspected or formal ADHD diagnosis) indicated that they experience increased sensory experiences, with 71% of those indicating that they are most affected by sound. Unfortunately for some, this means that they are unable to succeed in tertiary education, impacting their ability to launch their careers.
Extensive research into the existing product market of assistive devices for people with ADHD highlighted a gap in the market for a physical product to help people improve their focus and executive function. There are a few apps on the market, such as ‘Remember the Milk’ and ‘Focusmate’, as well as fidget toys. Whilst these products do serve an important role, they do not suit the environment of study.
1. Promote time management and executive function
2. Provide a physical solution, rather than an audio or digital solution
3. Be functional for the at-home study environment
The solution is StudyVibes, a vibrating desk mat with an inbuilt physical timer. By implementing a physical timer which alerts users to time passed through physical vibrations through the piezoelectric biomorph actuator technology, the StudyVibes offers a sensory-friendly alternative to the alarm clock. This allows the user to freely set the timer whilst they are studying, and eliminates the need for distracting audio alarm clocks and smartphone time management systems. Therefore, the StudyVibes allows users to create an environment conducive to study, whilst improving focus and time management.
Simple design, sophisticated functionality. Embedded within the StudyVibes are five piezoelectric biomorph actuators, which are responsible for transmitting vibrations, triggered by the timer. Each piezo has been placed strategically, providing the user with maximum vibration sensation, bringing awareness to the time passed.
Extensive design development led to the final StudyVibes product. Additional features such as a fidget panel, portability and various forms were explored, however these were not crucial to the final design, hence they were omitted. This ensures the StudyVibes is simple, with one very clear function.
Nadia is a Brisbane-based designer, with a background in marketing and fashion. She is passionate about finding solutions to improve the lives of people living with illness and disabilities through assistive technologies and wearable devices. Nadia aspires to combine her entrepreneurial mindset with design to create change.