WATCH FOR FIDGETERS
Originally realised for Baume and Mercier during the first year of MA Material Futures
'Eleonora Ortolani, Watch for Fidgeters', 2021
© the artist. Film: Eleonora Ortolani
Sensory overload is a daily reality for many living with Autism, ADHD, or Anxiety.
When the world becomes too much, the brain instinctively seeks out something stronger – a tactile anchor, small movements, textures that help focus and calm.
Fidgeting, that natural response, is often misunderstood as distraction, and the tools designed to support it are mostly seen as toys – hardly ever fitting in formal or professional settings. This social stigma turns a simple need for relief into a source of exclusion.
In response, I created a watch with hidden, interactive textures – designed to offer discreet, tactile comfort when it’s needed most. This project isn’t just about a device: it’s about creating space for difference, sparking conversations about mental diversity, and finding small ways to improve everyday life.
When the world becomes too much, the brain instinctively seeks out something stronger – a tactile anchor, small movements, textures that help focus and calm.
Fidgeting, that natural response, is often misunderstood as distraction, and the tools designed to support it are mostly seen as toys – hardly ever fitting in formal or professional settings. This social stigma turns a simple need for relief into a source of exclusion.
In response, I created a watch with hidden, interactive textures – designed to offer discreet, tactile comfort when it’s needed most. This project isn’t just about a device: it’s about creating space for difference, sparking conversations about mental diversity, and finding small ways to improve everyday life.
'Eleonora Ortolani, Watch for Fidgeters', 2021
© the artist
Contributors:
Letizia De Mori, Phsychologist
Letizia De Mori, Phsychologist