KOKO POD: A testament to the power of inclusive design and innovation
People with neurodivergence, such as autism, ADHD, etc., often find it overwhelming to navigate the everyday environment. Bright lights, loud noises and crowded spaces can trigger sensory overload, significantly impacting their ability to access education, employment or social experiences. Recognizing this challenge, Ar Shivani Shah, Founder and CEO, Sensory ALL, developed KOKO POD – a modular, space-saving solution designed to provide sensory relief in various environments. Sensory ALL seeks to ensure that individuals of all abilities feel seen, heard and empowered.
The inspiration for KOKO POD stemmed from the founder’s background in architectural education and her dedication to creating inclusive spaces. The name ‘KOKO’ was chosen deliberately. Many neurodivergent individuals, especially children, are non-vocal or have limited speech. The simplicity of a reduplicated word like KOKO makes it easy to pronounce and recognize, allowing children to easily indicate when they need a break by pointing to or saying ‘KOKO’.
KOKO POD was designed with four core principles in mind. The pod is easy to install and manage, ensuring it can be quickly set up without complex processes. Its design prioritizes accessibility, ensuring it is inclusive and functional for users of all abilities. The structure itself is built with durable material and features soft, sensory-friendly interiors to provide a safe and calming environment. Most importantly, the KOKO POD is designed to guide individuals through structured breaks, helping them transition smoothly back to their activities.
KOKO POD integrates RFID-enabled break cards, empowering children to independently signal their need for a break. By scanning a card, the pod activates with calming visuals and a timer function, facilitating smoother transitions. This technology significantly reduces the burden on caregivers, teachers and therapists by creating a structured, automated calming process.
The pod is expected to improve classroom concentration by enhancing student engagement and reducing distractions. It aims to help children develop better emotional recognition skills, improving their ability to identify and express their need for a break. The automated system is also designed to ease the burden on caregivers, teachers and therapists by freeing up time for teaching and therapy. Additionally, KOKO POD is intended to create a greater sense of safety and inclusion, encouraging children to participate in mainstream education and social activities with confidence. Ultimately, by reducing sensory overload incidents, KOKO POD aims to lower dropout rates from schools and therapy centers, ensuring children remain engaged in these critical spaces.
Joining NSRCEL’s Women Startup Program, a CSR initiative by Kotak Mahindra Bank, proved to be pivotal for Sensory ALL’s journey. Through NSRCEL, Sensory ALL gained a stronger understanding of product development and market fit, helping them shift from an initial concept to a scalable product. The team also received insights into business strategy and financial planning, which proved essential in building a sustainable revenue model. “The program provided mentorship and guidance during our transition from a service-focused start-up to a product-driven enterprise”, says Founder Ar Shivani Shah.
