ThyroSync

What it does

ThyroSync is a lightweight wearable device designed for thyroid disease patients. It monitors vital signs like heart rate, temperature, and blood oxygen, providing real-time health insights and medication reminders to streamline lifelong treatment.

Your inspiration

Thyroid diseases, increasingly prevalent among the young and the elderly which 76% patients are women, require lifelong monitoring and frequent medical checks. I am a thyroid cancer patient myself, underwent surgery at the age of 17. I have been taking medication and undergoing regular check-ups ever since. Existing wearables focus on fitness or diabetes, leaving thyroid patients underserved. Inspired by the lack of dedicated solutions, ThyroSync was created to bridge this gap. The design draws from the thyroid gland’s organic shape, offering a discreet, comforting device that blends into daily life while providing critical health support.

How it works

ThyroSync collects data through sensors measuring heart rate variability (HRV), skin temperature, blood oxygen, and more. These metrics help detect fluctuations in thyroid function. The device syncs with a companion app, which visualises trends and alerts users to potential health issues. A built-in vibration unit reminds patients to take medication or attend appointments. The compact HRV module and wireless charging ensure portability and long battery life. Additionally, ThyroSync’s heating and vibration features can alleviate neck discomfort caused by thyroid conditions.

Design process

The project began with research into thyroid disease management and existing wearable technologies. Early sketches explored organic shapes, eventually settling on a droplet-like form inspired by the thyroid gland’s negative space. Prototypes focused on comfort, using symmetrical surfaces for even skin contact. The casing features subtle LED indicators for battery status, avoiding a clinical aesthetic. User feedback refined the chain design, prioritising easy, one-handed fastening. Multiple colour and material options were added for personalisation. Technical iterations improved sensor accuracy and battery efficiency, while the app’s interface evolved to include medication tracking, mood logging, and medical record storage.

How it is different

Unlike generic fitness trackers, ThyroSync is tailored specifically for thyroid patients, addressing their unique needs—such as medication adherence and symptom-triggered alerts. Competitors like Apple Watch lack disease-specific features, while thyroid-focused apps only offer manual logging, not real-time physiological monitoring. The product combines medical-grade sensors with a non-intrusive, jewellery-like design, reducing the stigma of medical wearables. Its app integrates comprehensive health management tools, from diet tracking to appointment reminders, creating a holistic care ecosystem unmatched by existing products.

Future plans

Next steps include clinical trials to validate ThyroSync’s accuracy in detecting thyroid-related anomalies. Partnerships with healthcare providers will facilitate insurance coverage, improving accessibility. Long-term goals include expanding sensor capabilities (e.g., hormone level estimation) and adapting the platform for other chronic conditions. A subscription model for personalised health insights is also under exploration.

Awards

ThyroSync has been reviewed internally at Tsinghua University's Future Lab. The prototype, now in development, plan to acclaim at the Tech4Good Summit for seamlessly merging fashion with medical technology.