Brief: Design a solution to help stimulate a patients brain to combat ICU delirium in bed-bound patients.
Solution: Sensory stimulation pod that encloses a patient on their bed and helps stimulate the brain to improve cognitive function
Time: Sixteen weeks
Research phase (6 weeks) paired, solo project onward
Above image rendered with Gemini AI
Began with generating concepts. The concept I chose was a sit-in sensory pod. This was changed later to accommodate bed-bound patients.
Further development of this concept led me to the decision about the stand, features, and form.
To get a better idea of form, materials, and aesthetic, I created a CMF board.
Originally, the stand was non-moving, and was a more sculptural form. Changes were made to make the form more clinical and professional.
The pod was my first focus, I experimented with CAD to create forms, leading to each becoming more semi-circular and rounded.
Following the pod's design, I focused on making the stand moveable, and more robust. I landed on a two-point connection system, in which hydraulics would be used to ensure mobility for patient adjustment, and storage.
Final design and CAD form of Armadillo.
Model printed using 3D printer, Bambu X1 Carbon, white PLA.
Features included LED lights to simulate natural environments (i.e. sunsets, forest lighting etc), a fan to simulate wind and create a tactile element to the piece without the users touching anything to reduce infection control risk, a speaker to simulate bird song and gentle noises, hydraulics within the stand, and wheels to move the piece under and away from the bed.
Final presentation of Armadillo, A1 poster.
