Good vibes: the impact of haptic patterns on stress levels

Stress and anxiety impact almost everyone at some point in life. In the most severe cases the effects can be extremely detrimental to overall health and everyday life. However, two thirds of those suffering go untreated. Good Vibes was created to aid those who suffer from stress regardless of whether they receive professional help. The system consists of three components: a sleeve embedded with actuators, a heart rate monitor, and a smartwatch application. Using dynamic vibration patterns, the system simulates a cascading sensation and soothes the user during stressful situations. The Good Vibes system was tested on eight participants who were put through a stress test. The findings of our evaluations showed that participants who received haptic stimulation experienced a decrease in heart rate as compared to those who did not.