Our spine plays a crucial role in our daily lives—it’s the foundation of movement, posture, and balance. However, modern lifestyles are contributing to a global posture problem.

619 Million People Suffer from Low Back Pain.
It’s the Leading Cause of Disability Around the World. (WHO)

Poor posture from modern habits affects all age groups in the US. (Harvard Health)

Why the spine matters

The spinal nerves connect directly to specific regions of the body, forming a sensory map known as *dermatomes*.
This map shows how posture and spinal alignment influence not only movement, but also body awareness — forming the foundation for AXIS’s haptic design. Source: Medical News Today, 2023.

How is spinal awareness built in physical therapy?

One of the most effective ways to improve posture is through exercise.
During my own physical therapy sessions, I observed closely how posture awareness was built in a clinical setting. I received real-time corrections — both verbal and tactile — and followed a clear routine supported by tools like mirrors, mats, resistance bands, foam rollers, and stability balls.

From clinic to self-management

My therapist had recommended doing the exercises three to four times a week. However, when I tried to continue them on my own, I ran into several challenges.

Lack of real-time feedback

“Am I doing it right?”
Without feedback in the moment, it's hard to know if posture is correct.

Lack of Body Awareness

"I can't feel my spine."
We can’t easily feel or see spinal misalignment on our own.

Lack of motivation

"I'll do it tomorrow..."
Without structure or guidance, it’s difficult to stay consistent.

My goal is to enhance people's awareness of their posture and spine,
and to help them build long-term, sustainable habits through feedback in daily life.

Concept exploration

I experimented with wearable placements, form and materials — focusing on how the product naturally responds to body.

Experts interview

To validate the feasibility of the Smart Shirt concept, expert interviews were conducted with three professors in physical therapy Dr. Chih-Hsiu Cheng, Dr. Cheng-Feng Lin and Dr. Yi Liang Kuo and practicing physical therapist Dr. Chen-Chun Weng.

Target Audience
Designed for users with poor posture, not severe medical conditions.

Exercise Standardization and Personalization
Users set a baseline posture and adjust feedback intensity based on individual needs.

Feedback System Integration
Combine haptic, visual, and audio cues for clearer posture correction.

Product Positioning
Market as a self-training and posture awareness tool, not a medical device.

Market Differentiation
Uses IMU sensors and real-time haptic feedback along the spine — unlike most camera-based posture systems.

Form and material

Functional Prototype for Testing

Built a basic interface using MIT App Inventor to test core interaction logic and functionality. The app enabled real-time control of vibration intensity and location via Bluetooth. Developed in collaboration with an engineering peer Yanis.

FOR people who overlook their spine—until it speaks up. For those WHO want to move better, feel better, and build lasting posture habits. AXIS is a wearable interactive system THAT tracks spinal movement, visualizes posture in real time, and delivers haptic feedback as you move—helping your body stay aware, aligned, and in control.