Extimacy Multi Sensoree Designs
In the Netherlands, approximately 10,000 people have severe intellectual and multiple (physical) disabilities (PIMD). They have a developmental age of a child of 2 years or younger. In addition, they have one or more physical disabilities, such as a visual impairment or hearing impairment. One of the biggest challenges for people with PIMD is communication: they often have underdeveloped language skills, are unable to express themselves through spoken language, and often have trouble staying aware of events around them.
De Parabool, a healthcare facility for people with PIMD, presented one of their current needs, which is the development of multisensory, interactive devices that can stimulate multiple senses in their clients.
Based on Sensoree's Therapeutic Biomedia - expressive biofeedback technologies - Sensoree, the University of Twente and De Parabool will collaborate to design an 'experience space', a collection of (wearable) multisensory devices with and for these customers to promote extimacy - insight and expression.
Designing along with this group is fundamental research into creating nonverbal tools for communication and awe-evoking - a healthy emotion of surprise and wonder.
Responsible design research with this niche provides valuable insight into future tools that can be further expanded to work with a larger audience for the well-being of mindfulness.
Project budget €29,333, where €13,333 PPS allowance is used.