Tether
Media Design School
Solo Project - Capstone
Tether is my final capstone project and a speculative physical device designed to support adults with ADHD. Inspired by my own late ADHD diagnosis, the project responds to the daily challenges neurodivergent adults face in environments not built for them.
Research showed that many digital productivity apps become distracting or easy to ignore, while simple, glanceable physical tools are more effective. Tether provides calm, structured guidance through an analogue-inspired interface, a compact semi-portable form, and a companion app for adding tasks and routines.
The result is a low-effort, distraction-free system that helps users manage their day with greater clarity and control.
Practice
Graphic Design
UX / UI
3D Modelling
Animation
Videography
Photography
Year
2025
Project Type
Speculative Product
External Mentions
Media Design School
End of Year Showcase
Design Assembly
Hot New Things - Liam Bennett
Project
Ethos
Navigating life with ADHD is complex, and everyone experiences its challenges differently. For those diagnosed later in life, particularly women, these challenges can feel especially overwhelming, something I have begun to experience myself. Without awareness and care, ADHD tendencies can heighten stress and anxiety around everyday tasks.
Yet ADHD also brings strengths, including creativity, adaptability, and quick thinking. While these traits often thrive in hands-on environments, they can be harder to sustain in office settings, leading to frustration and inattention. Tether placed me in a unique position to explore both my own and others’ experiences with ADHD, helping to better understand how we navigate tasks and to raise awareness of what ADHD truly is.
Professional
Domain
Research shows that adults with ADHD face ongoing challenges with executive function in the workplace, leading to higher stress, burnout, and job instability. Existing time-management tools are often ineffective: digital apps can be distracting, while physical tools are easier to reference but lack flexibility.
Case studies reinforced the value of calm, non-stigmatising design that supports wellbeing through subtle, integrated interventions. Projects like Philips’ adaptive mental health spaces and Loop’s circadian lamp demonstrate how simple, environmental tools can improve regulation and focus without demanding attention. Tiimo showed the strength of visual structure for ADHD support, but also highlighted the disruption caused by relying on phones during work. Together, these insights informed Tether as a glanceable, low-distraction, physical-digital tool that restores structure, autonomy, and dignity for adults with ADHD.
- Performing a case study on the Loop Circadian Rhythm Lamp by Osin [link to product here].
The Design Methodology
I began by reflecting on how I naturally approach projects with ADHD, which often involves moving back and forth between stages rather than following a linear process. I realised this way of working closely mirrors a typical design workflow.
To keep the project anchored, I used the Fusion Flow methodology as a guiding framework, blending it with this non-linear, ADHD-informed approach. Due to my limited experience with 3D modelling and printing, I chose to begin Tether at the prototyping stage, allowing rapid iteration to support the project’s success.
- The typical ADHD design flow — a back-and-forth process that mirrors standard design workflows.
- Project guided by Fusion Flow methodology, using an iterative back-and-forth design process suited to ADHD workflows.
Empathising with others.
To gain a deeper understanding of ADHD beyond my own experience, I conducted a series of informal empathy interviews through casual conversations with others living with ADHD.
These discussions explored topics such as diagnosis, challenges within work and social environments, societal perceptions of ADHD, and how a tool like Tether could provide meaningful support in their daily lives.
Making Tether a Reality.
A range of early Tether device concepts were explored through sketching, many initially influenced by the playful, minimal aesthetic of Teenage Engineering. As the project progressed, Tether developed its own restrained visual language.
The device shell was then modelled in Fusion 360, a program I rapidly learned during the project. Due to budget constraints and limited access to 3D printing, the process was focused on producing three carefully considered prototypes, each testing new functions and refining fit and form.
Modelling and Printing the Device
Throughout the modelling and prototyping stages, the device fit together well, allowing more time to focus on refinements and added features. Naturally, several minor issues emerged, including button and dial fitment, screen alignment, and magnet strength required to support the device’s weight.
These were largely resolved within the first two prints. The second prototype also served as a valuable trial for embossing the brand pattern on the rear of the device, as well as testing iconography for the physical inputs.
- Creating a cardboard device case prototype.
- Assembling the Tether First 3D Printed Prototype.
- Tether Prototype (V2).
- Fresh print of the final Tether Prototype.
Creating the Interface
The device interface evolved from a single-screen layout into a three-screen, bento-inspired design with clearly sectioned information.
An initial on-device tutorial and setup flow was prototyped, but following extensive user testing, setup and secondary inputs were moved to a companion app. This shift allowed the on-device interface to become more focused, refined, and easier to use.
