It’s incredible to think that for every 15° of forward neck tilt, as much as 10-20 pounds of pressure is placed on the spine, neck, and back. This is not only a detriment to posture and overall well being, but puts people one step closer to looking like Quasimodo — a fate no one wants.
With bad posture so commonplace, it’s no surprise more and more crowdfunding campaigns are addressing the issue head on. The latest to do so is the Backbone, a pair of connected shoulder straps that not physically supports better posture but also reminds users to straighten up through notifications and vibrations.
By interfacing with its companion iOS/Android app, either the straps themselves or the connected smartphone reminds users when it detects bad posture. It also recommends breaks to make sure users get up out of the chair and out for a walk. It’s meant to be low maintenance as well, with a battery that last two weeks or more with daily constant use. $69 gets backers the Backbone system, due to ship January 2017 if earlier tiers aren’t purchased first. Its Kickstarter campaign is looking for $24,999 by May 4th, 2016 to see success.
Crowdfunded designs have focused on bettering posture either by only helping physically or through the use of a small device and connected app. The Backbone combines the best of both worlds, using physical reinforcement and connected reminders to make it the one posture product worth taking a look at. It’s not the least conspicuous product, but cold weather clothing layers might offer it a hiding place.