ERGOSENSE

What it does

Ergosense is a smart wearable device designed to improve posture and physical well-being for office workers. It adapts to the new hybrid work modalities, supporting employees who alternate their activities between home and office.

Your inspiration

During my studies, I often encountered a recurring issue: poor posture, a condition common to most office workers. For me, it was a real challenge that caused physical pain, reduced concentration, and compromised productivity. Design has always sought to address these needs by proposing solutions such as ergonomic chairs and adjustable desks. With the rise of new hybrid work models, these solutions are becoming increasingly less effective. The most suitable response today is represented by wearable devices: smart technologies that interact directly with the user, offering personalized and accompanying the worker between home and office

How it works

Ergosense is a system consisting of a wearable device and a connected telemedicine service. The device monitors the user’s posture during daily activities, detecting prolonged incorrect positions or signaling the need to take a break. The data collected is transmitted to the control app, where it can be viewed by the user and shared with healthcare professionals. The Ergosense device is composed of three main elements: Tailored garment, made of interchangeable fabric, designed to comfortably adapt to the user's body; Electronic component, integrates posture monitoring technology (IMU sensor) and heating pads that can be activated through the app, useful for relieving muscle pain; Rechargeable unit, a small stainless steel module inserted into the garment’s front pocket, containing the battery, Arduino processor, and vibration motor to provide feedback to the user.

Design process

The first phase focused on research into the office work environment, with particular attention to its evolution, current trends, postures, and related health issues. Case studies relevant to the topic were analyzed to identify technologies, strengths, and potential weaknesses. The second phase moved into the design process: The goal was not only to develop a device that improves the user’s postural well-being but also to create a wearable item that can seamlessly integrate into the office wardrobe, reflecting the aesthetic and fashion needs of the professional target. The form was studied by evaluating the placement of technological components and the optimal configuration (a vest as the base: flexible and expandable). After the sketching phase, a 3D model was developed. Prototyping was done using tailoring techniques, progressively integrating electronic components to conduct functional tests. The heating plates and the movement detection system particularly user inclination along the X-axis were tested. Finally, a usability test was conducted based on five parameters, and both the visual identity and the app wireframe were developed.

How it is different

Ergosense is not just a technological device, but a balance between functionality, ergonomics and fashion. It is designed to meet the postural well-being needs of modern professionals, without compromising on comfort or aesthetics. This fusion of technology and fashion marks an evolution from traditional solutions, which are often effective but lack visual appeal. Ergosense introduces an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable approach: Inclusive, because it follows a human-centered design, tailored to adapt to different body shapes without distinction between male and female sizing; Sustainable, thanks to a modular structure that allows components to be separated, making maintenance and part replacement easier.

Future plans

The Ergosense project has reached the “alpha” phase (TRL 4). The next steps involve refining the design and expanding the device’s functionality through the actual development of the integrated app. Additionally, the development of a protocol of user–doctor communication is planned, to enable effective interaction between the device user and healthcare professionals. A possible evolution of the project could include collaborations with companies specialized in ergonomics and wearable technologies, with the goal of transforming the research outcomes into a concrete, functional, and marketable product.

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