Compulsive buying disorder (CBD) is characterized by an obsession with shopping and buying behavior that causes adverse consequences. The onset of CBD occurs in the late teens and early twenties and is generally chronic.

 

Compulsive buying is not limited to people who spend beyond their means; it also includes people who spend an inordinate amount of time shopping or who chronically think about buying things but never purchase them. Existing treatments for CBD include medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and support groups such as Debtors Anonymous.

 

Working as a protective 'eye' on its wearer, Mati helps compulsive shoppers control their shopping impulses.

 

This experimental proposal can be used as a trigger to raise awareness by simply being worn on the wrist during daytime activities. When users are excited, Mati starts to vibrate to alert them and, therefore, make them more aware of their impulsive behavior.

 

Behind the surface, Mati consists of a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device, an accelerometer (to detect unwanted alerts caused by motion), a vibration motor, and replaceable coin cell batteries.

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UAL CSM Bachelor Project 2011

Published in ELLE HUNGARY 2011 July