Research focus · Sensory awareness & haptic technology

Understand what's happening around you through touch.

Sensivo is exploring how everyday sounds and events could become recognizable vibrations, Braille information and accessible alerts. The goal is to help people receive meaningful information using the technology and sensory channels that work for them.

Explore haptic communicationHow the concept works

Independent, volunteer-led concept · Research and development · Not yet a deployed detection app

The concept

From an event to meaningful awareness

1

Notice

Receive a sound or verified event from a microphone, compatible sensor or connected device.

2

Recognize

Classify the event, consider uncertainty and avoid unnecessary alerts.

3

Personalize

Apply the person's choices about event types, priority and accessible outputs.

4

Communicate

Send an informative tactile pattern, text, Braille or other supplemental notification.

Research concept: These are proposed functions drawn from the Sensivo development briefs. They should not be interpreted as features currently available to users.
Explore the research

One goal. Different ways to receive information.

Haptic communication

Can distinct tactile patterns communicate a doorbell, a timer, or another everyday event without requiring a screen?

Learn about tactons →

DeafBlind-first access

How can vibration attract attention while refreshable Braille provides more complete information?

Explore access methods →

Accessible alarm messages

How might certified alarms eventually send verified information to supplemental accessible devices?

See the safety boundaries →
Practical by design

Start with devices people already own.

The proposed first-stage research examines smartphones, including iPhones, for selected non-emergency events. Optional watches, discreet wristbands, and Braille devices could be explored for users who need different outputs.

We are not assuming a phone will always be carried against the body, nor that consumer-device vibration is sufficient in every context.

Research roadmap and sources

Guiding principles

  • User-directed customization, including the choice to silence unneeded events.
  • Privacy-conscious processing, with local recognition explored where feasible.
  • Co-design with Deaf, DeafBlind and other relevant users.
  • Measurable accuracy, usability, comfort and alert fatigue.
  • Clear distinction between everyday awareness and life-safety systems.