#VESTIK

Para qué sirve

VesTik helps young cystic fibrosis patients perform high-frequency chest therapy independently. It replaces costly, immobile hospital devices with a portable, ergonomic, and stigma-free vest—designed for daily life, emotional comfort, and self-expression.

Qué te inspiró

The idea for VesTik was born from the story of Alessandro, a young cystic fibrosis patient reliant on a restrictive and unaffordable hospital device. Seeing the emotional, economic, and logistical strain his family faced exposed a critical gap in how medical design meets real users. I set out to create a solution that offers autonomy, dignity, and joy. With a background in industrial design and ergonomics, I aimed to transform rigid clinical routines into inclusive daily experiences. VesTik proves that human-centered design can democratize healthcare—one breath at a time.

Cómo funciona

VesTik is a portable medical vest that helps teenagers with cystic fibrosis perform high-frequency chest oscillation (HFCO) therapy at home. The vest contains six vibration motors aligned with the lung lobes, validated by pulmonary specialists. These vibrations mobilize mucus and improve breathing, replicating the effect of manual therapy or hospital-grade devices. What makes VesTik different is how it delivers therapy: through music. Users connect headphones, stream their favorite songs, and receive therapeutic vibrations synchronized with the beat—making treatment feel natural, engaging, and part of life. Intensity is controlled via a microcontroller using pulse-width modulation (PWM). The vest is made with recycled PET textiles and 3D-printed biopolymer components. EMI-shielded motor housings and a modular design allow for durability, safety, and adjustment as the user grows—extending its lifespan and reducing waste.

Proceso de diseño

The VesTik design journey began with clinical and social research, identifying unmet needs in cystic fibrosis therapy. Interviews with pulmonologists, patients, and families revealed the need for mobility, affordability, and emotional support during treatment. Design phases included: Research & Mapping: user interviews, journey maps, ergonomic and clinical mapping. Ideation: concept sketches, technical definitions, sustainable materials. Prototyping: P1: basic textile prototype with initial motor testing. P2: added microcontroller, battery, and adjustable vibration settings. P3: fully modular, sub-1kg vest with LEGO-style fasteners and personalized aesthetics. Validation: medical vibration placement, user testing with families, integration of music therapy. Optimization: PWM tuning, sustainable materials and scalable electronics review. VesTik’s design is the result of iterative, collaborative development—with real users and clinical insight shaping every decision.

Qué lo hace diferente

VesTik reimagines respiratory therapy for young people by transforming a hospital-dependent, invasive procedure into a portable, music-driven, and emotionally engaging experience. Unlike traditional HFCO devices—bulky, stationary, and inaccessible—VesTik is lightweight, wireless, and modular. It adapts to the user's body as they grow, ensuring long-term therapeutic precision. Its design eliminates stigma through youthful aesthetics and personal customization. Backed by clinical collaboration, VesTik has three working prototypes and is moving toward formal validation. It also contributes to global goals, aligning with six UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being SDG 5: Gender Equality SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13: Climate Action VesTik is not just a medical device—it’s a human-centered shift in how care is delivered.

Planes para el futuro

VesTik’s next steps focus on refining the prototype for clinical trials and scalable production. We aim to validate its therapeutic impact through formal studies and build strategic alliances with local manufacturers and sustainable suppliers. For distribution, we plan to collaborate with public health systems, cystic fibrosis foundations, and NGOs to reach underserved communities. In the long term, VesTik will integrate digital features like app connectivity and remote monitoring, and adapt to other respiratory conditions. Our mission: to make daily therapy more human, empowering, and accessible—one vest, one child, one beat at a time

Premios

Best Graduation Project – Universidad El Bosque (interdisciplinary and social impact). Honorary Mention – Technical innovation, ergonomic excellence. Featured by RAD (Red Académica de Diseño) as one of Colombia’s most impactful sustainable design projects.