When developing a product intended to support people, understanding what it means for it to truly work is an ongoing process. It takes time, reflection, and thoughtful iteration, guided by the people who use it.
Recently, our team discussed what we really mean when we say, “a device that works.” For some of us, the focus was on technical functionality. Does the button respond properly? Does it deliver stimulation? Does it charge reliably? These are essential questions from an engineering point of view.
Others focused on a different kind of functionality. Does it support someone in a moment of anxiety? Can it help reduce physiological stress? Can it step in during a moment when stress is overwhelming, affecting how we feel, make decisions, and interact with the world?
As we continue developing and refining the product, more questions naturally emerge. Can we manufacture it at scale? Can we produce it consistently and sustainably? Does it provide enough value for people to want to use it? Can we ensure reliable supply and access?
These are the kinds of questions that keep us learning, asking, and evolving always with people at the centre.
Listening Carefully, Building Responsibly
We have been working closely with user experience experts to support our process. Through a series of workshops with Natalie Weir, we have explored how to develop a product with a focus not only on the end user, but also on all the people and systems involved in their care.
We have looked at care pathways, product journeys, user experience, and stakeholder roles. Throughout this process, we spoke with people who have a range of experiences with their wellbeing. We also listened to healthcare providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, and researchers in mental health and computational neuroscience. Conversations with mental health organisations and innovators have helped us understand the wider context.
From these discussions, we have gained a clearer understanding of the landscape. We have identified gaps in support and explored ways to help people navigate their own pathways more effectively.
One message we have heard repeatedly is the need for immediate support. When people are in a difficult moment, they need something that can help them right then. The idea of grounding came up often. People are looking for ways to stay connected to the present. They want to know that something is there for them whenever they need support. Awareness and education were also highlighted as important factors.
This is a complex area. There are challenges that include long waiting times to access care and the difficulty of recognising a need for support before a crisis occurs. We are committed to continuing this journey of learning and improving our understanding so that we can build something truly meaningful.
Prototyping with People at the Centre
Throughout our development, we have prioritised working with people. Testing with users and learning from their feedback has been central to our approach. Some of our users have already shared valuable insights about how they want to use the product, what it felt like to test, and where we could improve.
To explore these ideas, we have built and tested many different models. Our 3D printer, affectionately named Fernando 🙂, has been printing around the clock to help us experiment with new forms. From early sketches to detailed CAD models and hands-on prototypes, our focus has remained on understanding what works best through real-world testing.
As we enter the next phase, refining the prototype brings new challenges. Designing our printed circuit board, selecting firmware structures, and making technical decisions all take time and input from many people with different areas of expertise.
We feel fortunate to have a talented team and the support of excellent partners. Neubond founders from Imperial College London are bringing their engineering knowledge , to help us develop the technical core of the product. COSA is supporting us with colour, material, and finish assessments. Together, we are testing and refining each version to ensure that our development stays focused, deliberate, and human-centred.
Moving Forward, Together
We look forward to sharing more as we continue our progress. We are incredibly grateful to the many partners, collaborators, researchers, advisors, and supporters who have stood alongside us.
It is inspiring to work alongside people with a shared vision for wellbeing and human impact. Together, we believe we can create something that not only works, but supports people in the moments they need it most.
Thank you. 💛
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