Architec Tradure

Category: project and psychology.

  • 21JulFramework for Haptic Psycho Therapy

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    Hurt Me prototype



    Cool Me Down prototype

    It is a pity that just the excellent personalities suffer most from the adverse effects of the atmosphere -Goethe

    Together with Leo we wrote a paper on a framework for Haptic Psycho Therapy. We presented our research at the Health Pervasive Systems Workshop of the IEEE International Conference of Pervasive Services 2006.

    Download the powerpoint slides of our presentation

    Abstract: A growing body of evidence supports touch-based therapy for assisting sensory issues stemming from common social and psychological problems. Simulating touch through haptic devices can complement existing treatments for mental illness by providing soothing sensations that help to ground the senses. We introduce the concept of using computerized touch stimulation as a means for psychological therapy, and present a haptic device that allows touch information to be captured, broadcast and replayed in a wearable garment. To be effective outside the home or care-giving facility, this new type of therapeutic wearable needs to be highly customizable, easily controlled by the user and discrete enough to be worn in public.

    We developped four prototypes that will be exhibited at the A + D Gallery in Chicago, September 7 – October 21, 2006

    The Touchcasting serie consists of:

    COOL ME DOWN – An Electronic Cold Wrap for the Treatment of Schizophrenia

    More info about Cool Me Down

    – Patent pending –

    HURT ME – A Bracelet that Generates Controlled Pain for Psycho-Therapy

    More info about Hurt Me

    – Patent pending –

    SQUEEZE ME – A Vest that Simulates Therapeutic Holding

    More info about Squeeze Me

    – Patent pending –

    TOUCH ME – A System and Method for the Remote Application of Touch Therapy

    More info about Push My Buttons

    – Patent pending –

    I now working independently on Seamless Sensory Interventions for the treatment of mental and neurological disorders.

    My current research proposes haptics as the key to bringing treatment into the social sphere through devices, and providing new ways to mediate between the patient and the therapist both in and outside of therapy. Self-mutilation is a perfect test-case, because of the definitive “physicality” of the symptoms. However, the broader solutions that I am proposing have implications for diseases as diverse as autism, depression, and schizophrenia.


  • 16NovSeamless-sensory Interventions

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    Based on my previous work on haptics for psychotherapy, I am now designing Seamless Sensory Interventions for the treatment of mental and neurological disorders.

    My current research proposes haptics as the key to bringing treatment into the social sphere through devices, and providing new ways to mediate between the patient and the therapist both in and outside of therapy. Self-mutilation is a perfect test-case, because of the definitive “physicality” of the symptoms. However, the broader solutions that I am proposing have implications for diseases as diverse as autism, depression, and schizophrenia.


  • 31AugCooling down or heating up the body

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    At MIT, Tangible Media Research Group, we created Cool Me Down, a flexible fabric wrap with electronic heat pumps and metallic sinks that generates a cooling sensation. we originally designed the system for the treatment of schizophrenia within a care-giving facility. Conducting case studies at a local hospital, we discovered that this technology could be used to accompany usual treatment for other mental conditions.

    Throughout the research I explored ways of heat synchronization with the body instead of triggering artificial heat independently from the body. I recently found a fascinating product CoreControl developed by researchers Dennis Grahn and H. Craig Heller.

    Problem: “Overheating is a serious concern when exercising in hot environments, wearing insulative clothing, or during high intensity activity. CoreControl can be used to effectively remove heat from the body in a variety of settings.”

    Solution: “CoreControl TM powered by RTX cools you quickly and safely from the inside out. With patented, cutting-edge technology, it rapidly cools your body core first, unlike ice packs, vests, and misting fans, which cool you from the outside in. CoreControl enables you to consistently perform at your peak.”



    CoreControl diagram by Nigel Holmes, from Just Cool It’s article in Stanford Magazine.

    CoreControl’s web site


  • 18NovTouching memories

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    Touch is at the heart of intimate relationship. It is also a powerful trigger of past emotions. Touching memories is a system that detects and records a touch by a loved one. Be it a stroke, a pat, a hug, or a rub, the system will store the touch and play it back to you whenever you need it

    This project is in its conceptual phase.

    By Cati in affective design


  • 18NovTouching memories

    If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed to receive the latest Architectradure’s articles in your reader or via email. Thanks for visiting!

    Touch is at the heart of intimate relationship. It is also a powerful trigger of past emotions. Touching memories is a system that detects and records a touch by a loved one. Be it a stroke, a pat, a hug, or a rub, the system will store the touch and play it back to you whenever you need it

    This project is in its conceptual phase.

    By Cati in affective design