ESDA

Early Seizure Detection and Assistance

Skills I used

Sewing
Product Design
Human Centered Design
CAD
User Research

Supporting the autonomy and safety of adolescents with epilepsy by enabling them to shower unsupervised.

ESDA - early seizure detection and assistance - is a smart bathroom device ecosystem that detects early signs of tonic-clonic seizure, activates safety devices, and alerts caregivers. It minimises the need for constant supervision, fostering a safer, more dignified showering experience. It was designed by a team of 4.

Purple glove and a black robotic hand on stands, on a light blue background

Illustration of the glove sending signals to a caregiver notification system, a smart door unlock and a water cut-off valve

Hand-poses-based detection

Leverages ML and variable-resistance sensors to recognise start-of-seizure hand poses
Though less prone to false positives than current alternatives, incorporates an easily actionable false alarm system
Simple slip-on glove, with tips of fingers free for scrubbing and electronics hidden, and removable, between inner and outer layer

Person washing their hair while wearing a grey ESDA glove

Design Principles

Frictionless: fits into existing routines & rituals.
Designed for severe and frequent tonic-clonic seizures: applicable to milder scenarios too
Non-Stigmatising
Financially Accessible
Adaptable

Design Approach:

We followed an iterative process informed by insights from interviews carried out with sixteen individuals who have, or care for someone with epilepsy. We had 4 ongoing collaborators. A wide range of experts, from the fields of neurology to physiotherapy, also accompanied us along the way with their technical insights.

We aimed to design a product that does not disrupt shower flow, is adaptable, and non-stigmatising.