TacTiles is a modular wall system that brings nature's therapeutic benefits indoors for memory care residents. Using locally-sourced materials and biomorphic shapes, the tiles create dignified sensory experiences that evoke familiar textures and scents without infantilizing users. Each tile rotates in six orientations and connects seamlessly across any wall space, allowing care staff to easily reconfigure installations. Developed through research at The Loft at Linn in East Providence, TacTiles addresses the critical need for year-round nature access when weather prevents residents from enjoying outdoor gardens.
Design Research
Brand Design
Product Design
Prototyping
The Loft at Linn (East Providence)
Kayla Blalack (Mechanical Engineer)
Advised by Paolo Cardini
& Chaki Ng
Figma
Woodshop Tools
Tufting
2025 Feb-Apr
The project began with a fundamental observation: people separated from nature miss it deeply. Research shows that nature exposure significantly improves mood and cognition, yet those with mobility challenges face the greatest barriers to accessing these therapeutic benefits.
To understand the real-world challenges, we contacted local elderly care facilities and connected with The Loft at Linn in East Providence. Through ongoing conversations with care staff, we learned that sensory-based activities are central to their programming, and that natural elements like their memory garden are vital to residents' emotional and cognitive wellbeing.
For a year-round access to nature experiences and improve mood and cognition through biophilic design principles, we built a modular wall system of biomorphic tiles that recreates nature's sensory experience indoors. The system uses customizable, locally-sourced materials to create dignified sensory murals that respect the adult aesthetic while providing therapeutic stimulation for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia.This particular piece reflects the local ecosystems of East Providence.
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Scaling up is the primary next step for TacTiles through expanding our ecosystem offerings, refining manufacturing processes, and launching a new AI-powered consumer ordering platform. This automated digital system will enable facilities nationwide to select materials based on their local ecosystem, configure custom installations, and receive real-time pricing and delivery timelines. By streamlining the customization and ordering process, we can maintain our commitment to locally relevant, dignified design while making TacTiles accessible to memory care facilities across different regions.
Learning Through Real-World Implementation
This project taught me about designing for vulnerable populations and translating concepts into reality.
Acquiring The Loft at Linn as our client and partnering with an engineer showed me how to communicate design intent within technical constraints. Since direct interviews with memory care residents weren't always feasible, we relied on staff insights and observational methods. Donating our installation provided real-world validation and reinforced that meaningful design requires patience, empathy, and creative research approaches that honor users' dignity.
