Centre for Inclusive Design

Soft Signal Wristbands - UTS Industry Innovation Project, 2024

Collaboration across disciplines (including fields spanning design, engineering and marketing) and using techniques such as reframing allowed us to empower users rather than just accommodate them. This project reinforced design’s potential to amplify user voices and drive social impact through innovative and inclusive solutions.

The Soft Signals wristband focused on inclusive design for individuals with sound sensitivity. Through stakeholder engagement and iterative prototyping, we developed a user-centered solution that combined functionality with empathy. Each icon represents a specific user need, facilitating better spaces for those with sound sensitivity (these spaces could range from co-design sessions, professional development workshops to university lectures). For example, a user can place a siren icon to indicate to a facilitator to adjust the session accordingly.