Patricia Porter, founder of PCP Creations Ltd – widely known as Pat the Inventor – wanted to create a simple, accessible wrist‑worn device to support individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, sensory overload, ADHD, autism and similar challenges. Pat’s deep commitment to mental‑health advocacy and neurodiversity, combined with her creative drive, led to a collaboration with the 3M BIC’s in‑house product design team to turn her early vision into a functional proof‑of‑concept prototype.
Pat began with just a sketch outlining her idea for a discreet wearable that combined textured surfaces with a movable fidget feature to help users self‑regulate through touch. To progress beyond concept stage, she needed specialist guidance on design feasibility, material selection, the creation of CAD models and the production of physical prototypes. Crucially, the product also needed to be comfortable, durable, cost‑effective, sustainable and adaptable so that it could evolve as development continued.
With support from the University of Huddersfield’s ERDF Supply Chain Programme, Pat worked closely with the 3M BIC’s in-house product designer, Anastasis Constanti, to refine her drawings into practical, testable models. The early stages involved translating her sketch into CAD designs and producing several iterations that explored different functional, ergonomic and manufacturable options.
Using additive manufacturing technologies, we produced a flexible TPU wrist‑based mock‑up through Filament Deposition Modelling (FDM). This became Pat’s first tangible prototype and a key milestone that enabled her to test the concept, gather feedback and plan the next stages of development.
These early prototypes formed the foundation for the next phase of Myndtime’s evolution. As the project moved beyond its initial development at the 3M BIC, Pat continued progressing the design with additional partners. This period involved exploring silicone‑based options and alternative wearable formats that could deliver greater flexibility and comfort. One major advancement was the development of an adjustable, universal‑sized silicone bracelet – a material chosen as a practical, durable and more environmentally considerate option.
This transition supported Myndtime’s growth into the simplified, standalone wellbeing tool recognised today. Now future‑proofed but intentionally simple, the design allows for further enhancement while remaining accessible to everyday users. Future developments for Gen 3 and Gen 4 include data collection, biometric integration, new wearable formats and sustainable materials. The product is manufactured in the UK using sustainable, biodegradable‑friendly materials and launched in September 2025.
“I came to the 3M BIC with nothing more than a sketch, but their design tools, support and 3D printing expertise helped me turn it into a real prototype I could test and build upon. The team, in particular Anastasis, were professional, patient and always willing to go the extra mile. Those early prototypes became the foundations of Myndtime. Feedback has been incredible, particularly from teachers and parents. Pupils are concentrating better, staying calmer, and because it’s so discreet, they can hide it under their uniforms. Seeing it genuinely help people is what keeps me going – that was always the point.”
See our other case studies
Sign up to receive the 3M BIC’s latest news & events
You will get the chance to explore our high-spec meeting spaces that are fully equipped with the latest AV Technology, State of the art labs and our available office space.
