GLOWSTONE

What it does

It is a device designed to prevent and manage anxiety through personalized multisensory techniques. It combines breathing guidance, muscle interaction, vibration, prevention, and interactive communication, addressing the limitations of current solutions.

Your inspiration

Anxiety cases continue to rise globally each year, affecting over 13% of the Spanish population alone. With this exponential increase, most cases are treated with medication, largely due to the lack of accessible, non-pharmaceutical products focused on anxiety, and because many people cannot afford ongoing therapy. In response, and recognizing that the few existing solutions are neither adaptable to individual needs nor discreet or portable, this project aims to design and develop a product that allows users to prevent and manage anxiety in a personalized and accessible way.

How it works

Glowstone is composed of three elements: the portable device, a biometric wristband, and a charging base. The portable device integrates various components to guide the user through relaxation techniques. It includes an LED light that indicates the timing for diaphragmatic breathing (4-7-8 technique); a micro motor that emits gentle vibrations; and a flexible component that enables the practice of progressive muscle relaxation (Jacobson or PMR technique). The entire system is controlled by an ESP32 board, and also features wireless charging, a rechargeable battery, and buttons to select usage modes. The biometric wristband helps detect anxiety in real time, using sensors that monitor changes in heart rate. Lastly, the wireless charging base is used to recharge both the device and the wristband, and it includes space for aromatherapy vials, adding an olfactory stimulus that completes the relaxing experience.

Design process

The design process followed a user-centered methodology while addressing technical, economic, and functional feasibility. It began with market and patent research, as well as interviews with mental health professionals. Creative methods such as personas, the Five Whys, and SCAMPER were applied to generate innovative and relevant ideas. Based on a set of defined objectives, several conceptual design proposals were developed and evaluated. Mechanical and ergonomic analyses were conducted to ensure the device’s comfort and durability. Materials and manufacturing processes were selected using the Ashby methodology, and injection molding simulations were carried out with SolidWorks Plastics to optimize the design for industrial production. Environmental impact was also considered through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), along with repairability scoring, incorporating sustainable criteria from the early stages. Finally, a functional prototype was produced using 3D printing (FDM), allowing the evaluation of its ergonomics, formal aesthetics, and assembly feasibility. A GPS-based dimensioning and tolerance analysis was also performed, applying ISO standards to ensure manufacturing precision.

How it is different

Glowstone stands out by offering a personalized, multisensory, and effective solution for managing anxiety, designed for both personal and professional use. Unlike other products that focus on a single function, Glowstone integrates breathing guidance through light cues, calming vibration, muscle stimulation, connectivity with a biometric wristband, aromatherapy, and a companion mobile app. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for individual users seeking to manage daily anxiety, as well as for mental health professionals who can use it as a therapeutic aid to educate, support, or guide their patients in relaxation and emotional self-regulation techniques. Moreover, its user-centered approach, focus on sustainability, and repairability position it as an innovative proposal in the field of emotional well-being.

Future plans

Future plans focus on developing an advanced functional version of the design. A theoretical study of economic feasibility has been conducted, showing potential profitability starting in the third year. A testing phase with real users, including therapists, is also planned to validate the impact of the device in both clinical and personal environments. In addition, the possibility of forming partnerships with startups is being explored to support its development. In the long term, the goal is for Glowstone to become a leading tool in mental health care, accessible, customizable, and multisensory.

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