One of the most beautiful things about inclusive and adaptive design is how it ends up helping everyone — not just the audience it was designed for. Long before terms like “universal design” became mainstream, designers explored emotional design and ergonomics to make technology more human. The TruTru Haptic by JUE Design and Research StudioJUE Design and Research Studio, created in collaboration with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s IHMMI Lab, perfectly captures that idea. It’s a charming blend of haptic technology, empathy, and playfulness — a small companion designed to connect through touch.
At first glance, TruTru HapticTruTru Haptic looks like a soft, jelly-like creature that glows from within. It’s made to be held, clipped on, or kept close — always within reach. Beneath its simple appearance lies advanced sensory design: it can simulate textures and sensations like smooth stone, soft feathers, falling rain, or even rippling water. By carefully modulating friction, temperature, and rhythm, TruTru feels almost alive — offering tactile feedback that’s both grounding and comforting. JUE describes it as creating a “sensory language of care,” and that phrase fits perfectly.
TruTru’s personality shifts through four main modes.
- Companion Mode makes it feel like a tiny being with moods of its own — glowing softly as you approach and responding warmly to your touch.
- Meditation Mode offers rhythmic cues to help you focus, breathe, and stay present — a small but powerful mindfulness tool.
- Sleep Mode helps you drift off, using gentle thermal feedback that mimics natural body warmth.
- Custom Mode lets users personalize everything, from brightness to temperature, even creating playful variations like a “Kid Mode.”
Beyond its lifestyle appeal, TruTru Haptic has potential for therapeutic use. Its calming feedback could support individuals navigating anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, autism, or dementia — offering emotional regulation through touch rather than screens or sound.
As JUE Design and the IHMMI Lab continue to evolve the concept, new forms and personalities are already on the horizon. TruTru Haptic isn’t just another gadget — it’s a glimpse into a future where technology feels human, designed not just to inform but to soothe, comfort, and care.
