The Cumulus headphones aim to help autistic adults navigate through crowded spaces. Designer Diamond Ho created the headphones to allow users to isolate their senses. Since those with autism have trouble dealing with their senses, crowded areas are often difficult to handle. Cumulus solves this by giving users the ability to control what they hear.
Ho's headphones have three functions built to help the autistic deal with everyday situations. Cumulus allows users to cancel all sound, isolate speech and listen to music. By allowing users to choose between a range of sound, the headphones help prevent mental stress.
In addition to isolating sound, Cumulus also tracks the user's state through sensors on the band. The headphones have a galvanic skin sensor which tracks skin temperature and heart rate. When the user is distressed, Cumulus is able to detect it.
Autism-Assuaging Headphones
The Cumulus Headphones Help Autistic Adults Deal with Crowds
Trend Themes
1. Sensory Isolation Technologies - Opportunities exist for design of technologies that help individuals filter out unwanted sensory inputs and isolate desired ones, such as the Cumulus headphones for autistic adults.
2. Wearable Sensing Devices - There is potential for wearable sensing devices to detect physiological signals and track mental health status, such as the galvanic skin sensor in the Cumulus headphones.
3. Personalized Sound Control - Personalized sound control technologies have potential for wide application in various industries to reduce sound pollution and create better user experiences, such as the feature in the Cumulus headphones that allow users to choose between a range of sound.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The Cumulus headphones have a potential application in healthcare and medical settings for stress management and calming aids.
2. Consumer Electronics - Consumer electronic companies can develop personalized sound control technologies like the Cumulus headphones for better user experiences.
3. Entertainment - The personalization of sound control technologies has potential in entertainment industry, such as enhancing the gaming or movie experience for users.