What it does
BreathShell is a sensory interactive device designed for children with autism. Blowing to the seashell triggers multimodal feedback, including ocean wave sound, light transition, and synchronized vibration, creating a closed-loop “action-response” experience.
Your inspiration
BreathShell was inspired by the unique needs of children with autism. They tend to express themselves through physical movements rather than language, seeking a sense of security and order through repetitive actions. Traditional products rely on language or complex operations, fail to meet their needs. I use blowing as a natural interaction. They have a strong need for stable feedback. Inspired from the “magic shell” in SpongeBob SquarePants, which esponds simply but SpongeBob placing absolute trust, and conch shells which are often placed near the ear to listen to the “sound of the sea” , I take the sound of waves as a natural feedback.
How it works
The project consists of three parts: an input sensing module, a core processing module and a multimodal output module. Input module uses a sound sensor to simulate the function of a wind speed sensor, identifying the intensity and rhythm of a child's “blowing” behavior. Core processing module is based on an Arduino Uno main control board for processing, used for rhythm classification and adaptive feedback judgment. Output module synchronously distributes commands to three sensory feedback systems. Audio feedback is implemented using the MP3 voice module including three segments of wave sound. Visual feedback uses a ring-shaped LED light strip, with lighting effects presented in a gradient pattern. Haptic feedback employs a small ERM eccentric vibration motor, which synchronously vibrates when blowing intensity reaches a certain threshold. The amplitude, sounds, and lighting rhythm are synchronized to enhance the integrated sensory experience.
Design process
During the design process, I started with initial concept sketches, using hand-drawn illustrations to depict the conch shell's form and interaction methods. I then created a clay prototype to preliminarily validate the basic structural feasibility. During the prototype iteration phase, I established a 3D model, enlarging the internal space to accommodate electronic components and adjusting the shell's curves to better align with children's ergonomics. Based on this 3D model, I 3D-printed the physical shell. After completing the structural design, I assembled and tested the electronic components, integrating the airflow sensor, lighting module, sound system, and vibration motor into the seashell structure. During the testing phase, I focused on the collaborative performance of each module to ensure a natural and seamless interaction chain from blowing air to multi-sensory feedback.
How it is different
Current assistive products for children with autism, such as soothing toys and white noise machines, while providing some emotional relief, remain relatively primitive in terms of interactive logic and multimodal coordination. Many products offer limited feedback forms and lack a sense of responsiveness, which hinders the establishment of connections between children and their environment. The design of the “blowing” action, though seemingly insignificant, gives children with autism the opportunity to express themselves and establish emotional circuits. I hope it can become a gentle, reliable “emotional container” that accompanies every child yearning for a response, breathing with them and being heard by the world together.
Future plans
In future versions, I hope to introduce an AI rhythm classification model to identify different breathing patterns and generate corresponding rhythm feedback. At the same time, I will explore personalized sound generation algorithms to customize “ocean sounds” for different children. In terms of structure, we will focus more on children's usage posture and long-term comfort, strengthening skin-friendly materials and lightweight design.
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