the university of colorado boulder
Assistant Professor of Environmental Design
Fidgets & Stims: Social Factors in Design
OBJECTIVES
This course introduced key concepts on neurodiversity as it related to the design of products and the built environment. "Neurodiversity" encompasses the broad spectrum of normal human variations in cognition, emotion, and sensory processing. Students created fidget designs aimed at enhancing emotional wellbeing by encouraging soothing, self-stimulatory behaviors, known as "stims." They then designed new fidget prototypes using 3D printing and silicone casting and evaluated their designs through user feedback.
Cacti-CLICK
The Cacti-CLICK is a multi-sensory fidget that brings together texture, sound, and motion! To use, spin each section - some spin freely, some click for an auditory response. The cactus has a sharp, grooved texture for silent rubbing when you’re in quiet spaces. The Cacti-CLICK is the sensory fidget for you!
ANDREW MCDONALD
fimble
The fimble is a thumb cover that includes a spinning ring, and tactile shapes to scratch, pick, and rub against skin to create an alternative from skin picking.
KARA DANFORD
Sir Wiggles
A squishy octopus pal that tries to stare you out of feeling sad.
Amelie Court
Serenity Slide
The Serenity Slide attention enhancer utilizes a soothing slide motion to calm the user, and keep physical motion from impeding on focus. Bumps on the body of the slider, and a soft TPU thumb dimple provide an engaging sensory experience.
ian tilley
Mushy Mushroom
Mushy Mushroom is a fidget that responds to tapping, wiggling, smacking, and squeezing! Keep him on your desk, take him on the go, or wherever you need a jiggly, squishy fidget.
ANDREW MCDONALD
