TANDS
8 weeks, Fall 2024
A wearable TENS unit for portable pain relief
designing for an aging population
1 in 4 people contract arthritis, bursitis, muscle weakness, and other chronic conditions as they age. How can we design to relieve pain easier?
treating pain through TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a popular physical therapy technique that uses small electric shocks to treat stiff/swollen muscles and nerve issues, delivered from a unit with remote/dial control
current TENS units are a struggle
Long wires, small controls, and precise placement are difficult to handle, especially for those already suffering from hand disabilities
“My wife always has to place electrodes for me because my hands are too stiff, I don’t want to feel like a burden”
- R, age 63, chronic hand tendonitis
taking inspiration from current TENS units, lifting straps, and fingerless gloves
consulted a local occupational therapist to optimize electrode placement
fingerless glove construction allowed for mobility
electrodes align with trigger points, even with different sized hands
puckering at wrist covers electrode
strap is too long
exposed wires = messy
focused on simplifying construction and hiding loose parts
TANDS:
TENS FOR HANDS
how to use animation/storyboard
simple set-up
insert hand into glove
pull to fit
tighten strap until snug
use remote to start e-stim massage
take TENS remote out of pocket
secure Velcro strap
convenience at its core
this lightweight gloves fits in a small bag for on-the-go pain relief
classic gray
pale mauve
sapphire blue
match your personal style
portable
Lightweight and easy to store in a bag, providing e-stim therapy at any time
Soft lining and adjustable straps create a stylish, yet comfortable glove that blends into your daily style
Minimal instructions required with physical therapy at the press of a button
comfortable
tands is...
user-friendly
