A Brief Overview of Calming Technology (Research group at Stanford University)

What is calming technology?  I've been meaning to write a few in-depth posts on this topic, but I've had little time.  For now, here's a brief overview of the topic:


"Calming Technologies are tools that reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and clarity, and help develop calming physical, cognitive, and emotional habits." -CalmingTech

Calming Technology 
"CalmingTechnology.com is the research blog for the Calming Technology research group at Stanford University. We draw from the fields of human-computer interaction, persuasion and influence, psychology and perception, and medicine and anatomy. Previously we referred to this field as "augmented relaxation" and similar names..."


Calming Technology Course, Stanford Persuasive Tech Lab, taught by BJ Fogg and Neema Moraveji


CalmingTech (twitter)

Calming Technology Bibilography

Calming Technology (pdf)
Neema Moraveji, Neekaan Oshidary, Roy Pea, BJ Fogg (CHI 2011)


Links: Calming technology projects,  freeware, and commercial products

As I explore this topic, I'll post more information!

Gesturetek Health: "Interactive Technology & Virtual Reality Systems for Therapy & Rehabilitation"

(Pictures from the GestureTek website.)

Gesturetek's Health division has created a variety of interactive applications designed "... for the disability, hospital, mental health and education sectors. Our touch-free, motion-activated solutions for virtual reality physical therapy, multisensory stimulation and immersive play let patients (regardless of age, ability or condition) have fun in a hygienic environment and experience marked improvement in their physical and cognitive abilities."

Here are a few highlights:




Overview of some demos from GestureTek:


References:
GestureTek Health and FlagHouse Announce Partnership to Bring Sensory Solutions to the Physically and Cognitively Challenged

GestureTek Videoclips

GestureTek Company Fact Sheet (pdf)

Note: Dean LaCoe, of GestureTek, will be presenting at the Interactive Displays 2009 Conference in April.