TANDS
8 weeks
A wearable tens unit for portable pain relief
DESIGNING FOR AN AGING POPULATION
Arthritis, bursitis, muscle weakness, and other chronic conditions are common as people age. It affects 1 in 4 adults at some stage in their lives. How can we design to relieve pain easier?
What is 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 electrodes, and precise placement make it unusable for people with hand mobility issues. Additionally, they are made of loose parts, which means it’s not very portable and easy to get tangled or components get lost.
“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
TENS FOR HANDS
Streamlining the physical therapy process, making it more accessible and easier to use
SIMPLE SET-UP PROCESS
Insert hand into glove
Secure Velcro strap
Pull to fit
Take TENS remote out of pocket
Tighten strap until snug
Use remote to start e-stim massage
convenience at its core
This lightweight glove can be carried in a bag or purse for on-the-go pain relief
classic gray
pale mauve
sapphire blue
match your personal style
TANDS IS…
PORTABLE
Lightweight and easy to store in a bag, providing e-stim therapy at any time
COMFORTABLE
Soft lining and adjustable straps create a stylish, yet comfortable glove that blends into your daily style
USER-FRIENDLY
Minimal instructions required with physical therapy at the press of a button
initial sketches leading up to the idea
design inspired by gloves and mittens
proof of concept
finalizing layout
design of electrodes, post consultation with a local occupational therapist trained in TENS therapy
