‘She is not alone!’
Afrofuturist Wearable Devices for Speculative PTSD Treatment in Kenya
Patricia (Trish) Mwenda
Project Description
Through out the course of the COVID-19 Pandemic the term “Shadow Pandemic” emerged due to increased cases of domestic abuse around the world. ‘She is not Alone! Explore speculative wearable technology to reimagine Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) treatment for female-identifying domestic abuse survivors in Kenya. The envisioned speculative wearable devices consist of the Moyo Monitor designed to aid in continuous monitoring of PTSD associated with domestic abuse and the Tulia Band which is designed to aid in self-directed PTSD treatment. The wearable devices draw design inspiration from Kenyan culture and themes situated within Afrofuturism and Africanfuturism frameworks, which aim to convey symbolism of empowerment for female-identifying domestic abuse survivors and in a much larger context highlight the importance of raising awareness of domestic abuse in Kenya.
BIO
Trish is an Industrial Designer from Nairobi, Kenya. She has spent the last five years developing custom designs of 3D innovative concepts, prototypes and products. Her interests blend Wearable Technology and Physical Computing with Design for Health and Afrofuturism. She holds a BAs Hons in Industrial Design from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Malaysia and is currently a MDes candidate in the Digital Futures program at OCAD University. Trish has received numerous grants and awards including the OCADU Deans scholarship, and the LUCT Prime Ministers Award for Creativity and Innovation.