components

I am absolutely digging the idea of creating a security blanket. Since my target audience is usually in hospitals, I'm focusing on ideas that can help everybody to make the experience easier.

-Changing the color of the blanket is one of my focuses. It can be fun and also it might help the staff and family to monitor the temperature of the child. In this sense, I'm looking into thermochromic ink. But before all that, I want to know if it's ok to use it in a sterile environment.
http://www.geminnov.fr/
http://www.thermochromicinks.com
http://www.solaractiveintl.com/index.htm
http://www.siltechlimited.com/
http://www.pburch.net/dyeing.shtml


-Make syringes easier. This is an area that I'm not sure how to solve. Some children have to be on IVs, which is another hard experience. How can I integrate the IV needle into a blanket?

-The audio component: I already have a system of recording and playing back and it can be integrated into a blanket. At the moment I'm thinking about building a small audial system that might trigger the nurse staff when the child need help. Simply it is the same system with the nurse button by the bed.

-Smell: Jon pointed out a great aspect that I'm really excited about: the smell of the blanket. When it gets washed, the user it not happy with the outcome of it. What if there's a certain smell that never leaves the blanket?

-Washability: serious topic..

-Playable: Of course the material is very important for the child to feel all comfy and cozy. Besides it should carry some fun aspects to it. What if it's worn as a hoodie? What if the user squeezes the blanket that it gives a vibrating tactile feedback? What if it turns into a tent where you can play games inside? What if it has a teddy bear intergrated inside of it?