Noah Rubin

A sensory diet application and virtual reality safe space, Underload allows people with sensory processing problems to escape to any environment when in an uncomfortable or overwhelming space.

With careful research into the different types of sensory profiles and their sensory needs, Underload can cater to individual sensory needs. With a shape guessing game, a breathing exercise, a relaxing creek and a neon disco, these environments help provide the user with either less or additional sensory input, ensuring that they can escape a sensory overload at any point.

Often it can take a while to diagnose and get an understanding of someone’s sensory needs, especially when it requires the help of trained professionals. Underload can streamline a lot of that process in the Sensory Test. With questions on behaviour, Movement, Sounds, visuals and touch, Underload can give a summary of their sensory needs whilst automating a lot of other features.

In addition to shielding people from environments that can be potentially overwhelming, it’s just as important to let them sensitise towards it. This feature uses virtual reality to slowly introduce elements of an environment that require more sensory input. Often beginning easy, by letting the User choose where they start, it allows them to experience the environment at their pace without the fear of being overloaded with sensory input.

A sensory diet is a crucial sensory input schedule allowing people with sensory processing problems to get their sensory needs. Whilst Virtual reality can help with visual and auditory input, it can’t provide proprioceptive, vestibular or tactile sensations, which is why this feature is crucial. Underload automates this by generating a diet based on the sensory test. A lot of people also have different needs or require a flexible sensory diet which is why new tasks can be added at any time.

With sensory overload being a repetitious problem in nature due to the fear it causes and subsequent avoidance of a lot of environments, It’s important that there are alternatives to removing someone from an overwhelming environment. By creating portable safe spaces and helping people acclimate, Underload helps stop the pattern of behaviour that encourages people to avoid overwhelming environments.