Fidgets For Divergence
May 2024
Conceptual design, Prototyping, Inclusive design
Overview
How might we create an experience that helps with overstimulation and understimulation in neurodivergent adults?
I am currently designing a series of fidget toys focused on tactile stimulation as a shared feature. By eliminating the auditory stimulation used in many other fidget toys, one can focus purely on touch when working to satisfy any sensory urges, limiting distraction from other sounds. A large element of this project is to repurpose common accessories and wearables in a way that doubles as something that can be subtly fiddled with.
Fidget Ring
Textured rubber ball on top that can be spun freely using either one or both hands
Ball barely makes any noise due to its material
Semi-flexible plastic base with an opening to allow for adjustability
Chew Stone
Designed specially for adults with a chewing stim
Food grade silicone with two different textures to be bitten on
Base to hold onto that doubles as a makeshift worry stone
Discreet design that will be developed to be attached to a necklace/keychain
Research/Inspiration
I spent time looking at pre-existing fidget toys on the market, including those with an emphasis on tactility rather than movement. Based on the research, I ideated on possible designs through 2D and physical sketches.
Flow diagram portraying my thought process to making something to help with overstimulation. Within this I identified the group of people who deal with this issue the most and ideated on products I could make to help with this problem.Upon deciding to design fidget toys, I went to already existing fidget toys on the market, and found that a lot of these designs are mostly catered towards children in a classroom setting or for personal use. I then weighed the pros and cons of these toys being used in quiet spaces, considering things like sound and distractibility.From one of my peers with autism and a chewing stim, I discovered a market that consisted of chew toys for children, including pencil covers to prevent them from chewing up their pencil erasers.I looked at fidget items with a focus on tactility rather than movement for inspiration, like worry stones.
Design Criteria
Small and handy fidgets
Little to no noise to limit distractions in public
Emphasis on texture/one’s sense of touch
Combats both overstimulation and understimulation
Sketches
Sketch Models
Model Making Process
Through sketching, I explored two main themes: non-moving but tactile, and subtle movement in the form of a wearable. These were eventually implemented into my final designs, with movement in jewelry and a fidget relying soly on texture.
In-Context Photos