selected work
Cognito
Industrial Design for a Neurotech Wearable
Our Role
The Context
Cognito is developing a non-invasive therapeutic platform that uses synchronized light and sound stimulation to treat Alzheimer's disease. As the technology moved from the lab toward clinical deployment, the product needed an industrial design that reflected both the sophistication of the science and the realities of medical device development. Card79 partnered with Cognito to develop the industrial design of the therapeutic hardware, creating a physical form that balanced clinical credibility, technical precision, and manufacturability.
The Challenge
Unlike many medical devices, this product wasn't intended for occasional clinical use. Patients would interact with it every day, often while experiencing cognitive decline, with caregivers frequently involved in setup and operation. Success depended not only on clinical efficacy, but on creating a product that felt approachable, comfortable, and easy to incorporate into everyday life. The challenge was to balance medical credibility with warmth, while designing for long-term adherence rather than short-term interaction.
The Challenge
Unlike many medical devices, this product wasn't intended for occasional clinical use. Patients would interact with it every day, often while experiencing cognitive decline, with caregivers frequently involved in setup and operation. Success depended not only on clinical efficacy, but on creating a product that felt approachable, comfortable, and easy to incorporate into everyday life. The challenge was to balance medical credibility with warmth, while designing for long-term adherence rather than short-term interaction.
The Challenge
Unlike many medical devices, this product wasn't intended for occasional clinical use. Patients would interact with it every day, often while experiencing cognitive decline, with caregivers frequently involved in setup and operation. Success depended not only on clinical efficacy, but on creating a product that felt approachable, comfortable, and easy to incorporate into everyday life. The challenge was to balance medical credibility with warmth, while designing for long-term adherence rather than short-term interaction.
Our Approach
We approached the project as both a medical device and a consumer experience. Working closely with Cognito's engineering and clinical teams, we explored industrial design concepts that reduced intimidation, simplified setup, and supported repeated daily use. The product architecture, ergonomics, and interaction model were refined to minimize friction while communicating the precision and sophistication of the underlying technology. Every design decision was evaluated through the lens of the patient and caregiver experience.
Our Approach
We approached the project as both a medical device and a consumer experience. Working closely with Cognito's engineering and clinical teams, we explored industrial design concepts that reduced intimidation, simplified setup, and supported repeated daily use. The product architecture, ergonomics, and interaction model were refined to minimize friction while communicating the precision and sophistication of the underlying technology. Every design decision was evaluated through the lens of the patient and caregiver experience.
Our Approach
We approached the project as both a medical device and a consumer experience. Working closely with Cognito's engineering and clinical teams, we explored industrial design concepts that reduced intimidation, simplified setup, and supported repeated daily use. The product architecture, ergonomics, and interaction model were refined to minimize friction while communicating the precision and sophistication of the underlying technology. Every design decision was evaluated through the lens of the patient and caregiver experience.
Architecture Driven by Function
Every aspect of the product's architecture was shaped by the underlying therapeutic technology. The device needed to deliver synchronized light stimulation through the eyes, audio stimulation through the ears, and accommodate optional EEG sensors positioned on the forehead to monitor brain activity. Each system had its own functional and ergonomic requirements, making the physical architecture a critical part of the design process. Rather than treating these as separate components, we developed an integrated wearable architecture that balanced optical alignment, acoustic performance, sensor placement, comfort, and manufacturability. The result was a cohesive product in which every element—from the glasses to the headband—served a specific purpose while working together as a unified system.
Architecture Driven by Function
Every aspect of the product's architecture was shaped by the underlying therapeutic technology. The device needed to deliver synchronized light stimulation through the eyes, audio stimulation through the ears, and accommodate optional EEG sensors positioned on the forehead to monitor brain activity. Each system had its own functional and ergonomic requirements, making the physical architecture a critical part of the design process. Rather than treating these as separate components, we developed an integrated wearable architecture that balanced optical alignment, acoustic performance, sensor placement, comfort, and manufacturability. The result was a cohesive product in which every element—from the glasses to the headband—served a specific purpose while working together as a unified system.
Architecture Driven by Function
Every aspect of the product's architecture was shaped by the underlying therapeutic technology. The device needed to deliver synchronized light stimulation through the eyes, audio stimulation through the ears, and accommodate optional EEG sensors positioned on the forehead to monitor brain activity. Each system had its own functional and ergonomic requirements, making the physical architecture a critical part of the design process. Rather than treating these as separate components, we developed an integrated wearable architecture that balanced optical alignment, acoustic performance, sensor placement, comfort, and manufacturability. The result was a cohesive product in which every element—from the glasses to the headband—served a specific purpose while working together as a unified system.
The Outcome
The resulting product helped translate breakthrough neuroscience into an experience designed for real people.Cognito has since advanced its clinical program substantially, including large-scale clinical studies evaluating the therapy for patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.
The Outcome
The resulting product helped translate breakthrough neuroscience into an experience designed for real people.Cognito has since advanced its clinical program substantially, including large-scale clinical studies evaluating the therapy for patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.
The Outcome
The resulting product helped translate breakthrough neuroscience into an experience designed for real people.Cognito has since advanced its clinical program substantially, including large-scale clinical studies evaluating the therapy for patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Mapping the Design Space
When developing a new product category, the first challenge isn't refining details—it's identifying the right direction. We explored a broad spectrum of wearable concepts, testing different form factors and product architectures against technical requirements, ergonomic considerations, and manufacturing realities. This structured exploration quickly narrowed the field to the most promising solutions, allowing the team to move into development with confidence.
Mapping the Design Space
When developing a new product category, the first challenge isn't refining details—it's identifying the right direction. We explored a broad spectrum of wearable concepts, testing different form factors and product architectures against technical requirements, ergonomic considerations, and manufacturing realities. This structured exploration quickly narrowed the field to the most promising solutions, allowing the team to move into development with confidence.
Mapping the Design Space
When developing a new product category, the first challenge isn't refining details—it's identifying the right direction. We explored a broad spectrum of wearable concepts, testing different form factors and product architectures against technical requirements, ergonomic considerations, and manufacturing realities. This structured exploration quickly narrowed the field to the most promising solutions, allowing the team to move into development with confidence.
The Impact
Gamma Frequency Therapy (Hz)
40
Gamma Frequency Therapy (Hz)
40
Clinical Sites
70
Clinical Sites
70
Reduced Cognitive Decline
77
Reduced Cognitive Decline
77
The Impact
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Work With Us
If you’re looking to collaborate on a project, develop innovative human-machine interfaces, or bring a concept to life—let’s talk.
Join the Team
If you thrive on solving complex problems, designing at the intersection of hardware and software, and pushing boundaries—email us.
Office
3435 Cesar Chavez St,
San Francisco
Let’s Build the Future Together
© 2025 Card79. All rights reserved.
Terms of service
Privacy Policy
Work With Us
If you’re looking to collaborate on a project, develop innovative human-machine interfaces, or bring a concept to life—let’s talk.
Join the Team
If you thrive on solving complex problems, designing at the intersection of hardware and software, and pushing boundaries—email us.
Office
3435 Cesar Chavez St,
San Francisco
Let’s Build the Future Together
© 2025 Card79. All rights reserved.
Terms of service
Privacy Policy