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FNIRS CAP

Developed in the Bowden Lab at Vanderbilt University, this fNIRS head capmonitors brain activity during heart surgeries in elderly patients to investigate potentialcauses of Post-Operative Delirium.

MY ROLE:

Previous cap designs struggled with excessive sensor movement and lacked suitability for the delicate skin of elderly populations. I created multiple prototypes that significantly minimized sensor migration while remaining gentle on the skin and compatible with surgical procedures. Additionally, I graded patterns for the project, ensuring a precise fit. My contributions enabled the successful collection of accurate data.

DESIGN PROCESS:

This project required solving both human and technical problems simultaneously. The original head cap design was causing skin damage and hair loss in elderly patients, while also failing to stabilize the sensors during lengthy surgeries — resulting in noisy, unreliable data.

I redesigned the cap with a deep focus on skin-safe pressure distribution and sensor stabilization. I carefully selected materials for friction, stretch, and softness, and used compression layering to prevent migration without increasing pressure on fragile skin. Seam placement was a critical factor —

I ensured seams avoided high-friction or pressure-prone areas to prevent irritation or breakdown. I also modified the pattern to better distribute the weight of the electronics and maintain fit during extended wear.

To ensure the cap would work for a variety of head shapes and sizes, I graded the pattern set and provided a repeatable construction method that emphasized comfort and consistent sensor alignment. These design changes resulted in a more stable, wearable, and ethically viable tool for collecting brain activity data during surgery.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY:

This project underscored my belief that no data point is worth injuring a participant — especially in vulnerable populations. The right design doesn’t just protect signal integrity; it protects people.

My design values included:

  • Skin integrity as a primary constraint

  • Precision without pressure

  • Form stability through thoughtful material behavior

The outcome was a soft goods system that reduced trauma, stabilized sensors, and respected the unique physical needs of elderly patients — while still delivering the reliability researchers needed.

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FINE SOFT GOODS CONSULTING EST. 2025

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