A Connected Wellness Chair
10 Weeks
Jun–Aug 2025
Research
Solidworks
Keyshot
Project Management
Elisha Jeon - IxD
Aging sucks. No one wants to age, but we all do. We don’t want to give up the activities we love or have to depend on others—we want to keep doing them ourselves.
What We FoundMotion is Lotion
You might have heard the term “Motion is Lotion“ - that just 10 minutes of movement a day can ease stiff joints. Tools like physical therapy are a great way to get our bodies moving in a way that suits our needs.
Approachable, at-home tools simply don’t exist, and the few that do are outdated, frustrating both users and physical therapists.
Clunky
Makeshift
Disjointed
Outdated
Understanding our UsersDifferent Lives, Shared Pain
To understand our users, we studied a day in the life of five diffferent groups and found a shared barrier: pain limiting dignity and the ability to do what they love.
Fitness products target the young, while assistive devices are infantilizing.
Our solution blends mobility support, home fitness, and wearable health.
InterviewA Physical Therapist’s POV
An interview with a home-based physical therapist
uncovered key insights that led to our ah-ha moment:
+ Equipment is outdated and overlooked
+ Digital and remote tracking does not exist
+ Motivation is the hardest part of her job
+ Sitting & Standing, Balance, Resistance Bands
+ Many exercises require caregiver assistance
+ Preventative education is always lacking
“The lack of updated tools makes independent home exercise difficult without caregiver involvement, motivation, and communication.”
- Physical Therapist
- Physical Therapist
Interview InsightsDIY Solutions, Disconnected Care
At-home exercise tools are flimsy and hard to set up, while progress tracking relies on tedious paper checklists, blocking progress and motivation for elderly and PTs.
Our Mission
How might we design a low-barrier solution
that makes
movement easy and care circle interactions simple and positive?
movement easy and care circle interactions simple and positive?
We explored four key directions but found many of them to be band-aid fixes.
We ultimately chose preventative fitness which addresses pain at its root.
But Why A Chair? Aren’t Chairs Overdone?
“Older adults already spend 8 to 9 hours a day sitting.”
Rather than seeing this as a problem, we saw an opportunity to transform a common, familiar space into an easy entry tool for movement strength, and connection.
Rather than seeing this as a problem, we saw an opportunity to transform a common, familiar space into an easy entry tool for movement strength, and connection.
Sitting & Standing
+ Practice sitting & standing to get up from any chair or sofa
+ Build confidence getting on on one’s own without assistance
+ Practice sitting & standing to get up from any chair or sofa
+ Build confidence getting on on one’s own without assistance
Resistance Band Training
+ Develop strength for everyday activities
+ Build confidence carrying groceries, cooking, or other hobbies
Balance Practice
+ Build core muscles that prevent accidents
+ Reinforce trust in your own body to prevent falls
User PersonaMeet Carmie
Carmie, a 72-year-old grandpa, loves cooking and playing with his grandkids, but daily aches keep him sitting most of the day. Though he doesn’t mind physical therapy, his at-home exercise methods are not motivating, unclear, and leaves him frustrated.
01 The First Step
Simple to start, natural to keep -
building healthy habits that last
02 Strength Made Simple
Exercises and insights designed
for everyday independence.
03 Health Without the Hassle
Measure vitals and stay connected -
focus on moving, not managing.
04 Motivation That Fits
A gentle guide, supporting your flow
and meeting you where you are.
What is it?
A Gentle Guide for Strength at Home
Motra is a fitness chair, gentle guide, and elegant piece of furniture that monitors wellness, supports movement, and keeps loved ones connected. Its subtle design blends seamlessly into your flow, your home, and your life. With built-in resistance bands, an adjustable seat, and a grab bar for balance, it meets users where they are—encouraging movement to keep doing what they love.
Interface by Elisha Jeon
Sitting & StandingWith Adjustable Seat
Resistance Band TrainingBuilt-In Bands & Hooks
Balance PracticeWith Grab Bar on Backrest
Motra should never feel clinical — it should feel like you,
blending beauty, comfort, and motivation into one.
2025