FLOAT is an upper-limb rehabilitation exoskeleton developed by the Italian Institute of Technology. Our contribution focused on the design of the exercise programming interface, starting from an extensive research phase aimed at understanding both the machine's operational logic and the therapists' workflow. Through observation, mapping of clinical procedures, and analysis of user behaviour, we identified a significant gap between the system's technical parameters and the mental models used by practitioners during rehabilitation sessions.
The design process therefore focused on translating complex mechanical variables into a more intuitive and human-centred interaction model. Instead of presenting the machine through purely engineering-driven controls, we reorganised information and commands around anthropometric concepts and movement-related parameters that reflected the way therapists naturally think about patients and therapeutic goals.
To support this approach, we adopted a Neomorphic visual language, introducing a stronger sense of physicality and depth into the interface. The result was an environment that made the machine's capabilities easier to understand, reduced cognitive load during exercise configuration, and created a warmer and more accessible interaction experience, closer to the everyday practice of rehabilitation professionals.