Vive
Facial Paralysis Tool
University project
1 in 111 people in the UK have a significant facial disfigurement - 100,000 of which are from Facial Paralysis
Facial Paralysis is the loss of facial movement due to nerve damage. The facial muscles may appear to droop or become weak. Causes of Facial Paralysis include Strokes, Bell’s Palsy and other autoimmune diseases.
The prescribed treatment for outpatients is at-home facial muscle massage exercises.
With a gap in the market for a tool designed specifically forFacial Paralysis, Vive is a concept that delivers a compact solution for users looking to gain control of their recovery as they make the return to life outside of the hospital.
Massage Exercises for Facial Paralysis
Vive is a tailored and customisable toolkit for user’s to carry out their massage treatment
inside and outside of their home environment. Designed as a rehabilition product, the solution encourages the user to regain their freedom and independence, following an illness or trauma.
inside and outside of their home environment. Designed as a rehabilition product, the solution encourages the user to regain their freedom and independence, following an illness or trauma.
Researching the treatment of Facial Paralysis and current tools available with the help of physiotherapy experts and recovered patients, key insights into the opportunities to improve the experience were gathered. Online resources such as facialpalsy.org and NHS provided instructional videos acted as invaluable sources of information in the circumstance of limited target user contact.
“I always tell my patients to do a quick productive stretch in the car or on public transport”
Wendy Walker, Neurological Physiotherapist
Wendy Walker, Neurological Physiotherapist
1.
users want to avoid the negative
connotations of standard therapy equipment
users want to avoid the negative
connotations of standard therapy equipment
2.
exercises need to be carried out as often as possible, wherever possible - portability is key
exercises need to be carried out as often as possible, wherever possible - portability is key
3.
injury and overexertion are common problems user’s face as a result of their exercises
injury and overexertion are common problems user’s face as a result of their exercises
Sketch ideation of concept
Customisation
Multiple massage heads with unique shapes target specific
areas on the face.
Compact Design
Handheld massager with vibration stimulation & pressure sensor.
Portability
Carry case for massager and attachments allows for wireless charging.
Carry case for massager and attachments allows for wireless charging.
An accompanying smartphone app allows the user to track the frequency and effectiveness of their daily activity. Self-logging of prescribed exercises and guiding videos drawn from the NHS and facialpalsy.org compliments the use of the massage kit to ensure the user feels supported and in-control of their recovery experience. Reminders to carry out their exercises throughout the day and progress highlights help the user establish a routine alongside their return to life outside of the hospital.
High-fidelity UI Prototype
UI Wireframe Prototyping
User Experience Journey