Incredible Innovator: AUT Graduate Supports Neurodivergent Tamariki Through Design

Sometimes the most meaningful innovations begin with a simple observation.

For AUT Bachelor of Design graduate Yeaseo Im, inspiration struck inside a fabric tent that once sat quietly in an AUT design studio. Informally known as the "crying tent," the space offered students a light-hearted escape from deadlines, late nights, and creative burnout.

"Over time, it became something many people actually used," Yeaseo explains.  "I remember thinking it was something worth bringing back."

That memory resurfaced when she enrolled in AUT's Material Driven Design Studio paper. Through her research, Yeaseo discovered the strong wool’s natural sound-absorbing and temperature-regulating properties.

The two ideas instantly merged: could strong wool recreate the comfort and privacy of the studio tent, but as a calming retreat for those experiencing sensory overwhelm?

Designing for Wellbeing

Yeaseo quickly realised that children, particularly neurodivergent tamariki, could benefit most from this kind of safe space.

"Today, children are frequently exposed to high levels of visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli, which can lead to sensory overload and significantly impact their wellbeing," she says. Rather than creating another flashy product competing for children's attention, Yeaseo wanted to offer the exact opposite: something for calm. The result was  Wool Cokoon: a tent-like sensory retreat made from strong wool.

Inspired by the idea of a cocoon, Yeaseo reimagined the name as  Cokoon to reflect the comforting "nook" it is designed to create for children.

Senior Lecturer Dr Jyoti Kalyanji, from AUT’s School of Art and Design, witnessed Yeaseo’s project evolve through her studies in industrial design and reflects on the impact of her work:

“Yeaseo has shown a strong commitment to creating a practical and meaningful solution - both in exploiting the inherent properties of a locally produced renewable fibre, and in what the product offers for tamariki and their communities."

Learning from Real-World Testing

While the concept looked great on paper, designing for real users meant embracing the unexpected, especially when toddlers are involved.

Testing the  Wool Cokoon in an early childhood education centre confirmed a clear need for calming spaces, with children regularly using it for rest and quiet time. However, the testing phase also revealed how kids naturally adapt spaces.

Initially designed for a single child, it quickly became a shared refuge, prompting Yeaseo to experiment with larger designs and stronger structural supports. She also discovered that adding small, focused activities inside the tent, like drawing surfaces or book pockets, helped further encourage engagement and reintroduce a sense of calm.

From Concept to Commercialisation

To take  Wool Cokoon from a university project to a market-ready product, Yeaseo has been working with AUT Ventures to navigate the many steps involved in commercialisation, including recently completing a two-month mentorship with Jesse Keith, Founder and Design Director of product innovation studio Vivid Origin.

While the creative process came naturally through her design background, moving beyond the prototype stage was entirely new territory. As a recent graduate, she had to learn how to connect with manufacturers and navigate the realities of bringing a product to market.

"I have learned many practical steps in designing for manufacturing, as well as guidance on how to bring this product to life," she says.

Looking Ahead

Now, Yeaseo is gearing up for her next major milestone: small-batch local manufacturing. The goal is to produce higher-quality versions of the  Wool Cokoon for further real-world testing with educators and families.

"I am looking forward to learning more and seeing my product step closer to the world to support children," she says.

What began as a light-hearted escape in an AUT design studio has evolved into an innovation with the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of tamariki. As  Wool Cokoon moves closer to reality, it carries forward that original spirit: offering comfort, safety, and a quiet refuge when the world gets just a little too loud.