Would you like to offer sensory comfort without heavy equipment, fixed rooms, or complicated systems? Then you’re talking about Snoezle.
Snoezle is a mobile sensory stimulation tool designed for individuals with cognitive or sensory impairments, such as dementia, autism, or multiple disabilities. It creates a safe, enclosed space where users can either relax or be stimulated, depending on their needs, through immersive light and sound experiences.
At the heart of the system is a lightweight pop-up tent with an integrated module. This module plays pre-set themes combining dynamic lighting (through hundreds of LEDs) and surround audio via an internal speaker. Each theme is carefully curated to offer either calming or activating experiences tailored to different user profiles.
Snoezle can be used in care institutions, special education classrooms, or even at home. It’s simple to set up, easy to use, and highly effective; making it a powerful tool in modern care environments.
There is growing awareness in healthcare of the benefits that sensory stimulation can bring to individuals with cognitive or neurological challenges. There was a clear need for a mobile, flexible solution that could deliver personalized, calming environments without expensive infrastructure or complex systems.
Pendulum, the healthcare-focused division of the design agency Pilipili, set out to create a solution that was as intuitive and accessible as it was therapeutic. Snoezle was born from this ambition; a product that combines emotional comfort with technological intelligence.
To ensure Snoezle was both reliable and versatile, Pendulum collaborated with VAEngineering, who were responsible for designing and producing the electronics.
The result was a modular circuit board at the core of Snoezle’s system. What sets this board apart is its reprogrammable and expandable design. Not only does it serve Snoezle, but it’s also compatible with other products like the Aime Duo Mobile. This universal hardware foundation allowed Pendulum to standardize their electronics across multiple products, saving both time and cost during development and future updates.
The board manages the LEDs and audio output while allowing for seamless selection and playback of sensory themes. More importantly, the system’s architecture allows for easy expansion. Future updates could include additional lighting modes, advanced audio settings, or integration with external sensors.
From the start, Pendulum and VAEngineering designed the electronics to be scalable. This modularity ensures Snoezle can evolve over time as technology advances or new care needs arise.
This means adding features such as motion detection, gesture response, or even remote connectivity can be done with minimal redesign. Snoezle isn’t just relevant today; it’s built for the needs of tomorrow’s care environments as well.
According to Steven from Pendulum, working with VAEngineering was highly positive. The team didn’t just deliver high-quality electronics; they were actively involved throughout the development process, thinking strategically about how the product could scale, adapt, and improve.
VAEngineering’s proactive approach enabled faster decision-making and efficient problem-solving, even during moments of uncertainty. Their reliability is especially important in healthcare environments where failure is not an option. When technical issues arise, VAEngineering responds quickly and effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to caregivers and users.
“Working with VAEngineering is more than just a technical collaboration. They think along with us, they’re flexible, and they move fast. In our field, where reliability is key, that’s invaluable. And the fact that their electronics can be reused across different products makes them the ideal partner for long-term innovation.”