Industrial - Bachelors

Sense Connect

Sense Connect is a portable sensory device designed to improve quality of life for children with Childhood Dementia who are experiencing memory loss. Using customised vibrational feedback, it reconnects children with core memories, fostering comfort, familiarity, and self-recognition.

Meisha Cheetham

Context

Childhood Dementia is a rare, terminal neurodegenerative condition affecting approximately 700,000 children globally and, as of 2022, 2,273 children in Australia. This devastating disease, caused by recessive genes passed from parents to their child, leads to a gradual and severe decline in cognitive function, motor skills, and sensory abilities. Children with this condition experience significant memory loss, vision impairment, seizures, and loss of mobility. The symptoms progressively worsen over time, with many affected children not living past their teenage years. This project seeks to explore innovative approaches to support children with Childhood Dementia, focusing on improving their quality of life and addressing the areas of need posed by the condition.

Research

Primary research through observations and interviews with medical health professionals in the field informed the key areas of need for innovation were memory loss, vision loss, cognitive decline and sleep disturbances. The main conditions focused on through research was Sanfilippo Syndrome and Batten’s Disease.

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Research Report
File Type
application
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3 MB
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Design Development Record

Concepts

An overview of explored concepts based on key areas of unmet need

After exploring various concepts to enhance quality of life, Concept 1, which focuses on memory loss, was selected for further refinement and development.

An overview of explored concepts based on key areas of unmet need.

Final Concept- Sense Connect

Overview image of Sense Connect

Overview

Sense Connect is designed for children aged 4 and older with Childhood Dementia, allowing them to use the device with guidance once core memories are formed. Intended for use at home or in therapy sessions, the device should be placed on a flat surface for optimal viewing, with setup and supervision provided by a parent or carer.

As short-term memory fades, recognising oneself and familiar surroundings becomes challenging, often leading to confusion. Sense Connect bridges this gap, providing a comforting link to their identity and environment, fostering a sense of self, familiarity and comfort.

With Sense Connect, the child gains a valuable tool to deeply connect with their core memories and sense of self.

Close up view of Sense Connect

Features

Key design features of Sense Connect include its portability and lightweight build. It has a flexible, foldable stand with simple MagSafe attachment that allows it to connect to any phone. It has four interactive buttons for children to press to play videos of different core memories. A vibrational pad provides real-time, unique vibrations in sync with each video, enhancing the sensory experience.

App Integration

The Sense Connect device functions through the Sense Connect app on a mobile device, connecting seamlessly via Bluetooth. Parents/carers can upload videos to the app, organise memories, and view them directly within the app. The steps below outline how to upload videos, organise and play memories, and access device settings.

Storyboard

Sequence of Use

Sequence of use for Sense Connect. The parent can upload memories through the app, they then set up the device for the child. The child can press a button to play a memory. The child then watches the memory and feels the unique vibrations generated in real time. After watching the memory and feeling vibrations they feel calm, at ease and can recognise self.
A thin vibration unit with piezoelectric element and vibration plate.

The Technology

The parent can upload videos via the Sense Connect app, where AI initially analyses each video using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to recognise colours, objects, people, and movement patterns.

When the device plays back memories, the AI reads and analyses the video in real time to create precise vibro-tactile feedback. Sense Connect achieves this through a PiezoHapt actuator—an ultra-thin, vibration unit with a piezoelectric element and vibration plate. The personalised vibrations help to reconnect children with cherished memories and enhance their sense of security and wellbeing.
An exploded view of the parts that make up the Sense Connect Device

Exploded View- Sense Connect Device

Sense Connect consists of 15 parts, including a 3D-printed ABS body, four buttons, and a plastic casing to secure the PCB and battery pack. The PiezoHapt actuator is positioned beneath the vibrational pad space, held by four polycarbonate twist clips, with a chrome finished pad on top to enhance vibration output. Accessing the internal components for servicing is straightforward; simply unscrew the four screws and remove the bottom panel.

Exploded view of the parts that make up the folio stand for the device to sit on.

Exploded View- Phone Stand

The phone stand is covered in PU leather with an internal medium-density EVA foam padding, carefully spaced to allow smooth folding while maintaining structure and flexibility. A medium strength magnet is embedded in the foam padding to allow for the phone to sit securely during use.

Value of Design

Sense Connect’s value lies in its ability to enrich daily routines by fostering self-recognition through core memory engagement. The device enables parents to actively create shared memories with their child, strengthening their bond. With accessible tactile and audio features, it supports sensory needs, especially for children with visual impairments. Additionally, there is hope that this device will raise awareness about this under recognised condition.

Meisha Cheetham

Meisha’s passion for Industrial Design drives her to create user-centred solutions to enhance health and wellbeing. With a love for ideation, prototyping and innovative problem solving, she aims to design with a meaningful impact on people’s lives.