Hi everyone,
I’d been nerding out about haptics and haptic devices (basically, using patterns of vibration you can feel) and came across research suggesting that heartbeat-like haptic pulses might reduce perceived anxiety before public speaking. Or, in less scientific terms, make you hella calm. There used to be a commercial wristband designed around this idea. The science isn’t exactly conclusive, and the device eventually disappeared from the market. There are some dedicated haptic devices available, but the ones I found were extremely expensive (and required a subscription).
I decided to try to do something similar with the watch I owned (Fenix 8). Long story short, I made an app with heartbeat-like vibrations. In its default adaptive mode, the rhythm runs at 80% of the available heart-rate reading from the watch. You can also adjust the percentage or use a manual fixed rate. Then I got a little carried away and the app got a breathing mode that uses vibration and a haptic-rhythms mode (which are a bunch of different vibration patterns at different speeds). The haptic rhythms part is even more experimental.
The app runs entirely on the watch (so you don't need your phone) and there’s no account, no tracking or advertising, no network access required (and no subscription!)
As I said before, the science around haptic stimulation isn't exactly conclusive, and the app hasn’t been scientifically studied, so I’m not claiming that it will calm you down or produce any particular result. I’m mainly interested in how different rhythms make you feel feel and whether they can be useful as physical cues, especially before stressful moments. <
An important detail!! it’s a paid app with a one-time purchase.
If anyone gives it a try, I’d be genuinely interested in your feedback. Both about the experience and how the vibrations feel, since Garmin models can vary a bit. Feel free to reply here or send me an email.
Here's the link to the app
https://apps.garmin.com/apps/9e0ce4f6-35d4-4993-b184-8c81c973914d
Thanks!