Design and Test of a Haptic-Stimulated Mindfulness Vest for Guided Breathing

A newly developed garment, the Mysa shirt, uses haptic technology to guide breathing during mindfulness practice. In user testing of a redesigned version, novice users reported greater relaxation and less stress, while experienced practitioners saw its value as a teaching tool. The findings suggest that clothing with haptic feedback can enhance body awareness and well-being for a range of users, offering insights for future well-being applications.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This research explores the potential of clothing as a medium for enhancing mindfulness experiences, focusing on the Mysa shirt, a product being developed by the newly founded start-up Touchwaves BV, which integrates haptic technology for breath guidance. Through a user-centered design (UCD) approach, the study focused on the Mysa shirt’s redesign and its use during mindfulness practices. From the user testing with the redesigned Mysa, novice mindfulness users reported positive outcomes, including increased relaxation and reduced stress, while experienced practitioners recognized its teaching potential. The feedback demonstrates the Mysa shirt’s potential to enhance mindfulness for diverse users, highlighting the promise of haptic technology in clothing to enhance body awareness and overall well-being. The study bridges the gap between clothing and mindfulness, offering valuable insights for future design and well-being applications.