Tangible Wearable Accessories for ADHD

Research findings were submitted to the DIS 2025 Design Methods and Processes Track as the co-first author.

Project Context

This project was a collaboration with the School of Media at City University of Hong Kong, under the mentorship of Ray LC. We partnered with designers from diverse countries and disciplines to create wearable accessories for ADHD.

Output

Questionnaire analysis, User Insights Gathering, Brainstorm Ideation, Workshop, Concept Design, Functional Prototype,

Sep.2024-Jan.2025

Beijing, Hongkong, New York

User research

310 ADHD community members, 77 questionnaire responses.

Key Findings: Hoodie strings are their favorite clothing accessory and are desired to address two main issues: lack of focus and anxiety during tasks.

Preferred areas for clothing interaction: 43.53% hoodie strings (ranking 1), their favorite clothing accessory.

ADHD behavioral patterns: 98.92% difficulty starting tasks. 97.65% easily distracted when bored or anxious

Preferences for ADHD wearable device features: Improving attention and concentration: score 5.01

Current ways to relieve distraction or anxiety: 34.12% using fidget toys. 51.76% touching clothing or accessories.

Interview + Brainstorm Seminar:

22 ADHD patients on wearable hoodie strings design expectations.

We conducted a Whiteboard Challenge titled "My Aspirations" to gather insights and ideas about potential designs for ADHD wearable devices, using hoodie drawstrings as the starting point. Participants were invited to contribute their thoughts through virtual sticky notes, focusing on the form, texture and functionality of the hoodie strings.

Ideation about hoodie strings

Insights from the brainstorm seminar sticky notes

We gathered insights from the ADHDer sticky notes, particularly focusing on their deep needs and the reasons they require this function. Based on this, we created the design drafts by combining different materials and drawing from our background, such as fashion.