THE IMPACT OF TOUCH SELF-REGULATION TOOL DESIGN ON THE EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING OF YOUNG PEOPLE WITH ADHD

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) significantly affects concentration and impulse control in young people, generating challenges in educational and social environments. This study addresses the problem through the design of a tactile self-regulation tool in the format of modular costume jewelry, an innovative approach that combines industrial design and psychology, to improve concentration and self-expression. Based on background information that highlights the effectiveness of personalized products in the management of ADHD, the study seeks to answer how this jewelry influences these aspects. The main objective is to design, develop and evaluate the impact of a modular jewelry line specifically aimed at young people with ADHD. The methodology used is a quasi-experimental design with a mixed approach, selecting participants through convenience sampling. The process included prototyping modular costume jewelry, testing with diagnosed youth, and collecting quantitative and qualitative data through surveys, interviews, and observations. The preliminary results according to the experts indicate significant improvements in concentration during specific tasks and greater self-expression, highlighting the sense of identity and belonging generated by the personalization and manipulation of the pieces. The findings confirm that modular jewelry is a promising tool to address the challenges associated with ADHD, recommending additional research to evaluate its implementation on a larger scale and in different contexts. This interdisciplinary approach demonstrates the potential of design as an innovative therapeutic tool.