Unlocking Silent Emotions: Wearable Technology for Objective Assessment

Introduction

Professor Joanne Chung Wai-yee from the Department of Health and Physical Education at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), in collaboration with Professor Thomas K. S. Wong, conducted a project focused on developing wearable electronics and apps for objective emotion assessment. This project addresses the challenge of accurately assessing emotions in individuals who may struggle to express themselves verbally, such as children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and people with Parkinson’s disease or depression. The project aims to use Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as a biomarker for emotion.

Project Process: Methodology and Upmood Integration

The EdUHK project involved wearable technology, including Upmood bands, to collect HRV data from participants. This data was then processed and analyzed to objectively assess their emotional states. Upmood Mass was employed to monitor multiple participants simultaneously, and a customized version of Upmood Insight was developed to provide real-time feedback to teachers and caregivers. The customized Upmood Insight system delivered pop-up recommendations on the teacher's dashboard, with approximately 4 pop-ups occurring within a 1.5-hour session.

Why Upmood?

Upmood's technology was selected for this project due to its ability to provide accurate and reliable HRV data, which is crucial for objective emotion assessment. Upmood Mass offered the capability to monitor multiple individuals concurrently, which was essential for group settings involving children or patients. Furthermore, Upmood's flexibility allowed for the customization of Upmood Insight to meet the specific needs of the project, enabling the delivery of timely and relevant recommendations to caregivers.

Key Outcomes and Findings

The project successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using wearable technology and HRV data for objective emotion assessment in vulnerable populations. The customized Upmood Insight system provided valuable real-time feedback, enabling caregivers to gain a deeper understanding of the emotional states of those in their care. This technology has the potential to improve communication and support for individuals who have difficulty expressing their emotions.

Conclusion

This project by EdUHK, led by Professor Chung and Professor Wong, showcases the innovative application of Upmood's technology in addressing a critical need: the objective assessment of emotions in individuals who may struggle with verbal communication. By leveraging Upmood's wearable technology and data analytics capabilities, the project has paved the way for improved understanding, communication, and support for vulnerable populations. Upmood's technology can be adapted for similar projects aimed at enhancing the well-being and quality of life for individuals with communication challenges.

Thank you!

Thank you to EdUHK, Professor Chung, and Professor Wong for their support of this research.

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