Cu-Care
type:
Healthcare / Wearable
Duration:
5 Weeks
Project Overview
Project Overview
CU-care is a wearable healthcare concept designed for people with cholinergic urticaria, a condition triggered by body temperature rise and sweating. I developed a modular patch-based system that combines physiological sensing, cooling, heating, and app-supported emotional care to help users respond to flare-ups and support long-term adaptation.
CU-care is a wearable healthcare concept designed for people with cholinergic urticaria, a condition triggered by body temperature rise and sweating. I developed a modular patch-based system that combines physiological sensing, cooling, heating, and app-supported emotional care to help users respond to flare-ups and support long-term adaptation.
Problem
People with cholinergic urticaria often experience sudden itching, redness, and discomfort when body temperature rises. Existing coping methods such as self-cooling, avoiding triggers, or medication are often inconsistent, leaving users anxious, restricted, and unsure how to manage the condition in everyday life.
People with cholinergic urticaria often experience sudden itching, redness, and discomfort when body temperature rises. Existing coping methods such as self-cooling, avoiding triggers, or medication are often inconsistent, leaving users anxious, restricted, and unsure how to manage the condition in everyday life.
Research insights
Insight 1
Flare-ups are highly tied to body temperature changes. In colder seasons, even light activity under layered clothing can trigger discomfort.
Flare-ups are highly tied to body temperature changes. In colder seasons, even light activity under layered clothing can trigger discomfort.
Insight 2
Users need more than instant relief. They also need a longer-term way to reduce sensitivity and regain confidence in daily life.
Users need more than instant relief. They also need a longer-term way to reduce sensitivity and regain confidence in daily life.
Insight 3
The upper back emerged as an effective placement area because of its strong circulation and its suitability for both cooling and warming.
The upper back emerged as an effective placement area because of its strong circulation and its suitability for both cooling and warming.
Emotion insight
Because anxiety and stress can intensify the condition, emotional reassurance became part of the care experience rather than a separate feature.
Because anxiety and stress can intensify the condition, emotional reassurance became part of the care experience rather than a separate feature.
Concept
I designed a modular system with two functional blocks: one for immediate symptom relief, and one for recovery through desensitization and guided emotional support.
I designed a modular system with two functional blocks: one for immediate symptom relief, and one for recovery through desensitization and guided emotional support.
Relief system
Relief system
Recover system
Recover system
Wearability
I designed a modular system with two functional blocks: one for immediate symptom relief, and one for recovery through desensitization and guided emotional support.
I designed a modular system with two functional blocks: one for immediate symptom relief, and one for recovery through desensitization and guided emotional support.
Outcome
The final outcome is a patch-based wearable and companion app that together support symptom relief, recovery training, and a more reassuring care experience.
The final outcome is a patch-based wearable and companion app that together support symptom relief, recovery training, and a more reassuring care experience.
Cu-care APP
How to Connect
