We are looking for design partners to help us create trustworthy and comfortable wearable technologies for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
The challenge
Many wearable health devices fail because they don’t reflect the real-life needs and daily routines of the people who use them. We want to bridge this gap by involving you – the experts by experience – at the very beginning of the design process.
How you can help
We need your input to ensure future wearable devices are user-friendly and reliable. You will work alongside engineers and clinicians to:
- Share your experiences: Tell us what works and what doesn’t with current sleep technologies.
- Understand the tech: Join an interactive session to see how bioelectronic sensors actually work.
- Co-design prototypes: Help us sketch new ideas and give feedback on early design models.
- Review our toolkit: Help us refine a new guide for other researchers to use when designing health tech with the public.
Who are we looking for?
- Adults living in or near Oxford who have lived experience of OSA.
- Clinicians involved in OSA care.
- No scientific background is needed – your personal experience is what matters most!
Time commitment
Approximately 7 hours in total until June 2026 (including three 2-hour workshops in Oxford and a final optional summary session).
Reimbursement
Payment and support:
• You will be compensated £27.50 per hour for your time, following NIHR guidelines.
• Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
• Workshops will be held in accessible venues in Oxford, with options for digital support if needed.
Privacy: We value your privacy. This project focuses on participantary design and will not collect any medical data like your clinical records. Your information will be stored securely on a password-protected server at the University.
This project is sponsored by the Public and Community Engagement with Research (PCER) Fund, the University of Oxford.
Date required
31 March 2026. The workshops are planned to take place between February and June 2026, and will begin as soon as sufficient participants have been recruited.
Organisation
Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford
Contact
Dr Mayue Shi
Institute of Biomedical Engineering
Department of Engineering Science
University of Oxford
Email: mayue.shi@eng.ox.ac.uk
Clinical Trial Registration Details
N/A