Industrial - Bachelors
Halo is a shower harness designed to support individuals who experience seizures, enabling them to shower independently and safely. By preventing falls during a seizure, Halo provides users with peace of mind, enhances autonomy, and preserves dignity, while reducing the need for constant monitoring by caregivers or loved ones.
“For me, having seizures is like living in America where you never know who has a gun. It doesn’t mean everyone has a gun, and it doesn’t mean you’re always in danger, but you never know when you are.”
Interview Participant
Seizures can have a profound impact on daily life, creating both physical and emotional challenges for those affected. The unpredictability of seizures means individuals often face constant risks of injury and may require supervision or assistance. This dependence on others can significantly limit their sense of autonomy and independence. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding seizures can lead to feelings of embarrassment, isolation, and anxiety. As a result, individuals with seizures often face difficulties in participating fully in everyday activities, including work, social events, and even basic self-care. This highlights the urgent need for designs tailored to the unique needs of people with seizures.
People who experience seizures face significant risks of injury or even death, particularly when a seizure occurs in the shower. The combination of slippery surfaces and the potential for losing control of the body makes it a dangerous environment. To mitigate these risks, many individuals with frequent seizures take precautionary measures, such as showering with a family member, installing surveillance cameras, or leaving the door unlocked to allow for quick access if needed. While these precautions help ensure the person can be attended to in case of a seizure, they also come with considerable drawbacks. The constant need for supervision can severely limit a person’s autonomy and independence, as they rely on others to maintain their safety.
This dependence on caregivers or family members not only creates logistical challenges but also diminishes the individual’s sense of dignity and privacy. A place that is meant to provide solitude and personal care becomes an environment where the person is exposed and monitored, often leading to feelings of vulnerability. The emotional and psychological toll can be profound. Many individuals experience frustration and shame over needing assistance in such an intimate setting, which can prevent them from pursuing independent living arrangements. Fear of being alone, even in safe spaces, can lead to anxiety and a constant sense of insecurity. Furthermore, the burden of relying on others can cause feelings of guilt, as individuals may worry about inconveniencing their loved ones or becoming a source of emotional strain. These cumulative effects can limit opportunities for social and personal growth, impacting both the individual’s mental well-being and their relationships with those around them.
Should the user have an atonic seizure (loss of muscle tone) and go limp, their airways can be obstructed if their head falls forward. This was taken into consideration through increasing the distance between the users underarm and the underarm support designed to support the users weight. In the instance of a fall, this allows the harness to slip upwards on the users body which positions the harness neckline around the users head – providing cushioning and support.
Whilst this was not considered within the scope of the harness design, it is intended that there is a shut of valve installed with the harness that causes the water to cease flowing when the locking retractor is activated.
Installation of the harness system can be achieved in several ways. The primary options are a self-supporting frame, made of steel or aluminum, that hugs the corners of the shower, or a ceiling joist installation. As a frame would be obtrusive and exposed, the ceiling installation was considered more favorable. This method involves using a crossbeam along the existing ceiling joists to support the rope retraction system and, in turn, the user’s weight.
If left suspended for too long, blood pooling in the legs can accumulate toxins, potentially causing cardiac arrest if these toxins suddenly reach the heart, such as when the person is laid down too quickly. Although not part of the current design, a knee lift accessory was considered for users whose seizures last over 10 minutes. Suspension first aid suggests that lifting the knees while suspended can significantly extend the safe hanging time.
The recommended storage for the Halo harness is on a hook within the shower. The harness is easy to set up, and its materials are designed for shower storage. If space is limited in a shared shower, users may choose to store the harness elsewhere, such as on a towel rack.
Another potential feature considered but not yet implemented in the design is an emergency alert system to notify emergency contacts and services if the harness lock is not released within 10 minutes of activation (see ‘Suspension Trauma’). This feature was excluded due to the availability of existing solutions and the significant cost of integration. Instead, this design is recommended for users primarily seeking peace of mind and privacy. It is not advised for those who experience frequent, severe, or prolonged seizures.
Heidi is an industrial design student passionate about creating practical and impactful products. With an interest in aesthetic designs that simplify tasks and enhance efficiency, she combines her skills in industrial design and mechanical engineering to approach problems holistically. She is attentive to detail in her designs and takes an organized approach to turning ideas into practical solutions.