Sophie's Pet, 2009
Sophie's Pet provides sensory feedback in the form of vibration to improve self-regulation of sitting posture while also providing calming sensory input for children with autism. Currently undergoing user testing in New York.
Cotton, polyester, conductive ribbon, padding, custom circuit, rechargeable battery, Lilypad.
Size: Children's S
Collaborators: Karri Fisher, Diana Mott
Sophie's Pet, the pink jacket Sophie is wearing, helps her and other children with their posture. When Sophie is leaning too far forward, after 5 seconds small vibrating motors are triggered which let Sophie know to sit up. The design is for autistic children who have difficulty maintaining adequate posture; Sophie's Pet can help without looking uncool and also provides calming sensory input. Music by Kevin MacLeod.
