This week, our team focused on completing the design report, refining the requirements and implementation descriptions, and generating graphs and figures to explain the architecture and prototype. This helped align our hardware, firmware, and desktop application plans.
Our main risks remain reliable posture measurements and hardware integration. Sensor placement and movement could affect accuracy, so we will evaluate mounting stability, calibration, and filtering through repeated testing. We will also test communication with the IMUs and check whether motor vibration disrupts readings. If communication becomes unreliable, we can reduce the I2C bus speed or revise the wiring. The existing breakout-board prototype will allow testing to continue if PCB fabrication or debugging causes delays.
We clarified that posture is measured as regional angular deviation from a personalized baseline. We also documented the choice of one lower-back haptic motor instead of three localized motors, reducing wiring and component complexity. Although vibration will not identify the affected region, the desktop interface can provide that information.
Our overall schedule remains unchanged.
Section A: Rohaib
PosturePal addresses the need for posture awareness during prolonged seated work, a need that extends beyond students in Pittsburgh to people working in offices, studying, or using computers at home. These users may have different body proportions, preferred sitting positions, and levels of technical experience. The adjustable vest and personalized calibration are intended to accommodate these differences rather than assume one fixed posture is suitable for everyone. Configurable thresholds also allow users to choose how much deviation should trigger a reminder. To support users who are less technologically familiar, the interface should provide straightforward calibration instructions and clearly explain what each setting controls. Haptic feedback makes reminders available without requiring users to continuously watch a screen.
Section B: Carys
Different communities and workplaces have different expectations regarding clothing, personal comfort, and the use of wearable devices. PosturePal’s vest must be something users would feel comfortable wearing in their daily environment. Adjustable straps and a as-small-as-possible electronics assembly are used to make the device easier to incorporate into everyday clothing. The haptic reminders also provide a discreet form of feedback that can be used in offices, classrooms, or libraries without creating an audible interruption; instead, it is felt through a buzz. Also, because definitions about “good posture” can vary, the system uses a user-selected reference posture and provides feedback about changes from that reference. This approach gives users control over their settings and avoids presenting one posture as a universal standard.
Section C: Allison
PosturePal’s environmental considerations include battery use, electronic waste, and the materials needed to construct the wearable. The rechargeable lithium-polymer battery supports repeated use without requiring frequent replacement of disposable batteries. However, the battery and other electronic components will eventually require appropriate disposal or recycling. Keeping the electronics removable from the vest would make it easier to repair individual components and separate the textile and electronic portions at the end of their useful lives. Our decision to use a single haptic motor and driver also reduces the number of components and associated wiring compared with a three-motor design. During PCB development, reviewing the schematic and routing before fabrication will help reduce avoidable board revisions and material waste.