A wellbeing innovation first took shape at the 3M BIC, where inventor and founder Pat Porter arrived with nothing more than a sketch and an early concept.
From that initial meeting, our in‑house product designer, Anastasis Constanti, worked closely with Pat to explore how her idea could become a real, functional product.
Those early conversations laid the foundation for what is now known as the Myndtime Wearable Anxiety Aid – a discreet, wearable device designed to support focus, calm and self‑regulation anytime, anywhere.
Turning an idea into a product
When Pat first approached the 3M BIC, she was seeking guidance on product development, materials and prototyping. Working alongside Anastasis, she began to understand the practicalities of bringing a product to market – from the realities of design constraints to the time involved in testing and refining ideas.
Together, they assessed multiple design approaches, trialled early prototypes and began shaping a commercially viable direction for the product.
“Anastasis told me it would take three years to develop the product. I didn’t believe him at the time – but he was absolutely right! In fact, it took four! I came to the 3M BIC with nothing more than a rough drawing, and Anastasis helped me understand what real product development actually looks like.”.
Building the first prototypes
The initial development phase took place at the 3M BIC, where Pat and Anastasis began exploring watchstrap‑style wearables and early mechanisms based on a moving component – a feature Pat had always envisioned.
These first iterations led to further prototyping collaborations using TPU‑based 3D‑printed materials, but the core concept – and many of the first meaningful design decisions – were shaped at the 3M BIC.
As the project moved beyond its early development phase at the 3M BIC, Pat continued refining the product with additional partners, to explore silicone‑based designs and alternative wearable formats. This stage included developing an adjustable, universal‑sized silicone bracelet – a material chosen for its flexibility, durability and biodegradable‑friendly properties.
An inclusive wellbeing device
Pat’s second‑generation design is now slimmer and more discreet – it can sit next to your watch – with additional sizing options, a redesigned moveable ‘poppet’ mechanism and a wider range of colour choices.
These enhancements helped establish Myndtime as a practical, inclusive tool suitable for both children and adults.
Early trials in schools delivered strong feedback, with teachers reporting noticeable improvements in concentration and classroom engagement. Myndtime has since been tested in student research projects and is now attracting interest from wellbeing teams and organisations exploring B2B and white label opportunities.
“People don’t always understand it at first because it’s so simple, but the feedback from schools and parents has been incredible. Pupils are concentrating better, staying calmer, and because it’s so discreet, they can even tuck it under their uniforms. Seeing it make a difference to people’s lives is what keeps me going – that was always the point.”
Looking ahead
Myndtime is sold across the UK and can be bought online via its website or on Amazon. The packaging is recyclable and made by a local packaging company.
Pat is now preparing for the next stage of growth, including further investment, scaling and manufacturing as demand increases. Opportunities for future development for Gen 3 and Gen 4 versions, include data collection, biometric integration, new wearable formats and sustainable material options.
“It’s now at a stage where the design has been simplified, but it’s also future‑proofed so we can continue building on it and developing new features”
From a simple sketch to a wellbeing innovation now making a real‑world impact, Myndtime’s journey is a powerful example of how early‑stage ideas can grow with the right support, expertise and dedication – something we’re proud to champion here at the 3M BIC.
“Bringing that sketch to the 3M BIC changed everything. I walked in with an idea and they helped me turn it into something real. The very origins of Myndtime were shaped at the 3M BIC, and I’m extremely grateful.”
Pat’s journey with Myndtime also helped shape our own development at the 3M BIC. When she first came to the centre, we didn’t yet have the capability to prototype in silicone. Since then, we’ve expanded our in‑house materials offering and now include silicone printing alongside a wider selection of options.
This growth means even more innovators can experiment with new materials, test ideas and develop prototypes here at the 3M BIC, just as Pat did in the early stages of Myndtime.
