Four form factors were considered: smart bracelet, shoe sensor, tremor pen, and AR glasses. The wearable device with companion app was chosen as the only solution that addresses both automatic detection and multi-sensory cueing while being small enough for daily, independent use.

The core design problem: existing devices require users to manually trigger the cue. During a freezing episode, this is often impossible. Seora’s key differentiator is automatic detection and activation.

Seora uses inertial sensors (IMUs) to track walking patterns, step timing, posture, and gait irregularities. When it detects freezing-like symptoms, including irregular tremor frequency, dragging steps, or shuffling, it automatically activates vibrotactile and rhythmic auditory cueing to restart movement. No manual input required.

Three decisions that defined the product:

Automatic over manual: unlike Cue+, Seora activates the moment gait anomalies are detected. The device must act because users often can’t.

Lifestyle over medical: the wearable looks like a modern fitness tracker, not a medical device. Graphite, forest green, and rose gold options. No visible medical branding. Clinical-looking devices make users feel self-conscious and reinforce a sick identity that many users actively resist.

Adaptive personalisation: the system tracks which cue types are most effective per user, adjusting intensity based on time of day, fatigue, and walking patterns. Modes: Morning Walk, Crowded Area, Home Movement.

Accessibility applied through POUR principles: big fonts and audio cues (Perceivable), large touch targets and voice commands (Operable), simple navigation and clear icons (Understandable), screen reader compatibility (Robust).