A Study on User Experience of Wearable Compressive Tactile Stimulation

This study explores the efficacy of sensory clothing in providing compressive tactile stimulation to different upper body locations. Building upon Grandin's findings on the effectiveness of compressive tactile stimulation, we aim to evaluate the user experience on wearable compressive stimulation on various upper body locations through development of compression vest equipped with inflatable sections to ascertain which location best approximates the comforting compression. Through a randomized, dynamic evaluation involving ten female participants, employing a combination of the think-aloud protocol and post-use surveys, we analyzed the user experience of the vest prototypes providing compressive tactile stimulation on different upper body locations. Finally, virtual prototypes of the compression vests were created using the CLO 7.1 program, with particular attention given to stress distribution, strain patterns, and pressure points, underscoring the feasibility and potential of incorporating tactile stimulation into wearable technology for emotional well-being.