Robora

Role:  Lead UX Designer

Duration: 5 weeks

Tools: Figma, Arduino

System: Hardware, Mobile App

Context: California College of the Arts, MDes 2016

Empowering independent movement for children with spastic cerebral palsy

Robora is a wearable EMG-powered therapy system and caregiver-connected mobile app designed to help children improve fine motor control through real-time, rewarding feedback.

led the end-to-end design, from systems research and physical prototyping to app UX and testing, during my Master’s at California College of the Arts. The project combined IoT, UX, and human-centered assistive design to foster autonomy and reduce caregiver strain.

The Problem

Understanding the care ecosystem

Millions of children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) lack consistent access to in-person therapy. This leads to stalled progress, dependence on caregivers, and burnout across the care network.

I began by mapping the care network around a child with Cerebral Palsy, including caregivers, therapists, educators, and extended family.

Insight: Most tools focus on the child, but ignore the stress points between stakeholders.

Understanding the user

Henry is 7 years old and has spastic CP. He struggles with:

  • Holding a pencil

  • Grasping a spoon

  • Turning book pages

Without regular PT sessions, his motor development is regressing. His mother tries to help him each night, but lacks confidence and guidance.

Caregiver, user interview

“I try to help him practice holding a spoon every night, but it’s hard to know if I’m doing it right or if it’s even helping.”

The Opportunity

How might we…

  • Empower children with CP in their fine motor journey?

  • Enable moments of independence, even without a therapist present?

  • Reduce the stress and guesswork for caregivers?

The Solution

The Wearable Arm Brace

A system that includes assistive wearable technology that encourages and empowers independent motor function, that works with the mobile app for caregivers to track and easily manage the patient’s progress.

Design Principle: Feedback without Friction
The system rewards effort in real-time, without screens, lags, or frustration.

For the patient, the arm brace creates a repeatable, feedback-driven motor task using:

  • EMG sensors: Capture muscle intent, not just movement, ideal for children with limited range.

  • LED sequences: Visually guide the child through open/close hand motions.

  • Vibration motors: Reinforce successful motion with gentle haptic feedback.

State: no movement detected

State: no movement detected

State: Begins movement, not there yet

State: Begins movement, not there yet

State: Achieves optimal movement

State: Achieves optimal movement

Vibration motor placement

Vibration motor placement

The Companion App

For caregivers and therapists, the app offers:

  • Goal setting and progress (see improvements over time)

  • Progress visualization and understanding (understand key insights and ways to improve)

  • Care network sharing (export sessions to doctors and therapists)

Key learning: Caregivers wanted visibility, not extra work.

Design & Prototyping

Exploration and Ideation

I started with quick sketches to explore:

  • Wearable form factors

  • Sensor and motor placements

  • Storyboarding the intersection between the app and wearable technology experience

Next Steps & Reflection

Opportunities to Scale

  • Add machine learning to personalize exercises

  • Expand the app with therapist-guided modules

  • Develop flexible sensor placement for different limb types

Reflection

This project taught me how to design holistically, across hardware, software, and emotional touchpoints, while always centering dignity and autonomy.