Explorations
Our News page is where you’ll find out more about recent events Tactile is involved in, project features, and some behind-the-scenes of Tactile’s culture. We keep it brief here, but hopefully, you’ll learn a little more about us. Thanks for reading one, some, or all!
Cove
May 28, 2024
Cove is a conceptual family of chairs designed to provide support and comfort to chemotherapy patients. Featuring customizable elements such as privacy panels, lighting, temperature control, and reclining, Cove ensures a tailored experience to each patient’s unique needs. Additionally, Cove offers a companion seat model that allows a support person to sit comfortably alongside the patient during treatment sessions.
Inspired by loved ones going through chemotherapy, a team of diverse designers worked together to redefine the perception of treatment chairs. Drawing inspiration from the forms, colors, and finishes commonly found in upscale home furnishings and premium airplane cabins, Cove sets a new standard for comfort and aesthetics in medical seating.


The Idea
Cove was sparked by a colleague who recently underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy. They asked a bold question that really inspired us. ‘Suppose chemotherapy is genuinely a therapy – something that is meant to better one’s health. Why can’t the experience reflect other types of therapies that one may choose, like a spa treatment?’
With that guiding principle, we started to apply the design process to better understand opportunities and user needs. By conducting stakeholder interviews and desktop research, we learned chairs currently used for chemotherapy infusions tend to be utilitarian, meant to serve a wide variety of clinical needs, including infusions, maternity wards, and dialysis.

Meaningful Refinements
Through the conceptual nature of this project, we could focus on the specific needs of chemotherapy patients, their support persons, and nurses while also making sure to follow ergonomic guidelines. We began to develop architectures based on themes derived from our stakeholder interviews.
With three conceptual architectures established, we returned to our stakeholders to gain their feedback and ultimately combined the most vital elements of each Architecture into one fully realized idea, which we call Cove.



First-class Comfort
Cove is a revolutionary conceptual line of chairs meticulously designed to enhance the comfort and well-being of chemotherapy patients. Each chair has customizable features, including privacy panels, adjustable lighting, temperature control, and reclining capabilities, offering a personalized experience to cater to individual needs. Through form and finishes, we looked to challenge the utilitarian aesthetic currently applied to treatment chairs. We drew inspiration from consumer-facing markets, including home furnishings and first-class air cabins.
These elements can be seen in the lifted stance of the chair, pushing it away from the monolithic forms of a standard recliner. The privacy panels with integrated reading lights reflect first-class travel and high-end lobby furnishings. The work surface lamp and pleated cushions bring in a touch of home while being easy to wipe clean. The wrapping forms of the head and armrests create a sense of being embraced while feeling robust and trustworthy.




Face Brush
October 27, 2023
Modeled in Sharper3d iPad CAD, the Face Brush design study showcased the impacts of material and color choices and, in addition, involved adding surface patterning to explore the design possibilities further. This type of design study can be valuable for exploring how different materials
and colors can affect the overall look and feel of a product, and how surface patterning can enhance its aesthetics. It allows us to experiment and make informed choices when developing products for specific industries, considering factors like functionality, aesthetics, and user preferences.










Sound Machine
October 27, 2023
Sound machines designed for aiding sleep are inherently simple in their functionality, often equipped with basic controls for volume and selecting desired recordings. However, Tactile took this simplicity as an opportunity to demonstrate the incredible diversity in form languages achievable with the same foundational object. Their design journey spanned from geometric and technical aesthetics to more
inviting and friendly designs. Early in the process, Tactile embraced the innovative potential of MidJourney, a tool that extended the boundaries of conventional design. Through this tool, they introduced the element of lighting, adding an entirely new dimension to the product. This not only enhanced functionality but also created a warm and soothing ambiance, making the sound machine a perfect companion after a bedtime story.











Robotic Arm
October 27, 2023
Robotic integration has rapidly expanded across various industries, driving the need for specialized designs. In response, Tactile designed a versatile robotic arm design study concept, catering to medical, warehouse, and consumer applications. Unique colors and materials were meticulously developed, ensuring seamless integration into each
specific environment. In addition to its physical design, the robotic arm features intuitive graphics and labeling. These elements provide vital information for operators, aiding in tasks such as analyzing movement speed and pivot angles. Importantly, this information is presented in a user-friendly manner, avoiding clutter in the already bustling spaces around the arm.








Turntable
October 27, 2023
In a world where technology constantly evolves, record players remain beloved for their timeless appeal and user-friendly operation. Rather than attempting to reinvent the wheel, this study focuses on the art of refinement. It draws inspiration from both vintage and modern aesthetics, ensuring the preservation of analog controls that music enthusiasts have long cherished. While the core principles of the turntable design are retained, subtle yet transformative touches have been added.
Smooth continuous corners, gracefully dished surfaces, and intricate micro-textures usher this product gracefully into the modern age, providing a seamless bridge between the past and the present. The color palette chosen pays homage to the classic and the contemporary, striking a delicate balance that avoids excessive technicality. It harmoniously complements interiors of all eras, ensuring that the allure of the record player endures as a timeless centerpiece in any setting.




Drill
October 27, 2023
Electric drills, originally intended for household use, frequently feature designs more suited for industrial work environments. The initial phase of our design process involved streamlining the overall user experience. Subsequently, this study offered an opportunity to delve into color and material choices
that enhance both visual appeal and practical utility. For instance, we incorporated translucent faded plastic not only for the housing but also as a window, providing a glimpse into the battery indicator. We also employed speckled rubber to serve as both a decorative pattern and an ergonomic grip.








Sound Filter
October 27, 2023
Precision is paramount in the operation of sound filters. This study presented a unique chance to convey this precision by integrating it into a product with a combination of physical design and digital
interaction. Utilizing tools such as AfterEffects, Cinema 4D, and Blender, we were able to visually represent the intricacies of frequency control and breathe life into the design.




Headlamp
October 27, 2023
Headlamps offer a unique intersection of rigid mechanical constraints and soft humanistic materials. Drawing inspiration from the advancements in LED lighting seen in the automotive sector, Tactile explored a headlamp concept, aiming to push the boundaries of light patterning in headlamp technology.
One of the key challenges in this endeavor is the fact that headlamps are worn directly on the head, necessitating a user interface (UI) that can be operated blindly and relies heavily on physical ergonomics. This unique requirement has sparked an in-depth exploration into button design, seeking to create a tactile and intuitive control system that enhances the user experience.









