In this project, we designed and developed an inflatable wearable vest that simulates the comforting feeling of a hug. The main goal of the project was to explore how soft and controlled pressure on the upper body can help with emotional regulation and create a feeling of safety and calm, especially in moments of stress or vulnerability. Our idea is based on both biological observation and human emotional behavior. We studied how living beings react physically to emotions, especially in situations of danger or stress. From this research, we tried to translate natural protection mechanisms into a functional wearable design. The vest works as a connection between the body and emotional states. Through textile inflation, it recreates the calming sensation of a hug.
At the beginning of the project, we focused on observing animals and how they use their bodies to express emotions or protect themselves. Two main examples inspired us. The first one is the pufferfish, which inflates its body when it feels threatened. By becoming bigger, it protects itself from danger. The second example is the peacock, which opens and expands its feathers to show presence, visibility, and confidence.
Even though these two animals have different goals, both use body expansion as a way of communication and protection. This idea of expansion became very important in our concept.
Then we connected this research to the human body. We analyzed how people physically react to emotions like stress or anxiety. Usually, stress appears as muscle tension, changes in breathing, and the need for physical contact or containment. From this perspective, we identified the hug as a universal and intuitive gesture connected to calm, protection, and emotional support. A hug can relax the body, slow down breathing, and make a person feel safe. This idea became the center of our project.
The vest was designed to surround the chest and heart area, creating a feeling similar to being embraced. We chose this area because it has a strong emotional meaning and it is also important for breathing and body tension. The pressure sensation is created through a pneumatic system that allows the vest to inflate and deflate in a controlled way.
Instead of using hard mechanical systems, we focused on the movement of the elastic textile itself. When air enters the chambers, the fabric expands and adapts to the body, gently wrapping around it. During the design phase, we made many sketches and mapping diagrams to visualize how the vest looks when it is deflated and inflated. These drawings helped us define the pattern, the modular structure, and the position of the inflatable elements.
We also researched which areas of the torso are more sensitive to pressure and help with relaxation. We identified areas such as the upper chest, the sides of the rib cage, and the upper back. These areas are normally activated during a hug. For this reason, we placed the air chambers strategically in these zones. The non-inflatable parts help stabilize the structure and guide the expansion of the vest thanks to the elastic fabric.
The development process followed an iterative prototyping method. Our first demonstrators were made with simple and accessible materials, such as recycled plastic and glue. These early prototypes were not focused on aesthetics. Instead, we used them to test movement, inflation rhythm, pressure distribution, and general proportions.
During this phase, we carried out several inflation tests. Some tests worked well, while others showed technical problems. These experiments were very important because they helped us understand how the materials behave, how air is contained, and how pressure affects comfort. Based on what we learned, we improved the design and moved to a nylon prototype.
We chose nylon because it is durable, flexible, and suitable for pneumatic systems. This material allowed us to test the inflation system in a safer and more controlled way. It also helped us evaluate comfort, functionality, and safety more accurately. Once the final design was defined, we cut the nylon pieces with extra margins to make sewing and assembly easier.
After assembling the prototype, we tested each inflatable component to make sure the inflation was correct and consistent. We added small notches on the edges of the nylon pieces to ensure precise alignment during sewing. Then, all inflatable bands were sewn into their final positions, which were carefully planned during the design phase.
The final result is an inflatable vest that can apply soft and localized pressure to specific areas of the torso. The inflation happens in a controlled and progressive way, providing physical support and contributing to emotional stability and comfort.
3D FILES
RESENTATION
FLYER
VIDEO
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rKWFF14uQJKZQCLHqgeUXqwXGfKCcRgb/view?usp=drive_link
