A Pillow That Turns Emergency Alerts into Touch

Researchers at Nottingham Trent University have developed a smart pillow sleeve that uses vibration to alert Deaf and hard-of-hearing users to nighttime emergencies.

The thin electronic textile fits around a standard pillow and connects wirelessly to household alarms and smartphones. Different vibration patterns can communicate fire alarms, burglar alarms and incoming phone calls.

What makes this project particularly interesting is that it began with feedback from members of the Deaf community. Rather than adding another bulky device beneath the pillow, the designers integrated the technology into an existing and familiar product.

Worth considering: How can technology be embedded into everyday objects without making them more complicated or uncomfortable to use?

Design themes: Inclusive design, co-design, smart textiles, haptic feedback and assistive technology.

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