A Subtle Solution to a Hidden Health Concern

In a world that seems to move faster each day, millions of people are left feeling more anxious than ever, and often in silence. As a career inventor with an eye for problem- solving in the real world, Patricia Porter created Myndtime – a simple, subtle, non- tech way to bring calmness to anxious minds, regardless of the environment. Created with neuro-inclusivity at its heart, it’s a tool for real-life struggles, offering comfort without judgment.

A Scalable Solution to a Growing Concern

The vision for Myndtime was born out of a simple but powerful insight: everyday anxiety often goes unseen, yet it affects millions of people. Whether in the workplace, classroom, or even at a football match, stress can suddenly prevent people from living fully in the moment.

As a lifelong inventor and problem-solver, Patricia Porter wanted to design something discreet that people could use at any time without drawing attention. The result was a wearable silicone band with built-in tactile features — from textured ridges to a subtle “pop” element — giving users an easy way to calm their minds and refocus.

From Concept to Reality

The challenge was translating that idea into a manufacturable product. As a start-up working with limited funds and little to no engineering expertise, Patricia needed not only a technically sound design but also an affordable manufacturing route.

Protolabs first collaborated with Myndtime to create a prototype, demonstrating how the concept could take physical form across various manufacturing methods, with the reassurance that the CAD file was optimised and manufacturable. Material choice was equally important. Protolabs recommended FDA-approved, food-grade silicone: a durable, flexible, and skin-safe option commonly used in wearables.

“Being involved in creating products that might genuinely make a difference to people's daily lives is great. Being able to stay on those projects as they evolve from prototypes to finalised production parts ready to make a difference is even better!” says Zuzanna Laskowska, Account Manager, Protolabs.

Cost Control Without Compromise 

The project gathered momentum and investor support, but cost efficiency remained a key priority, so Protolabs Network introduced a new approach: compression moulding. By embracing the Protolabs Network, Myndtime were able to access a wealth of additional capabilities, including compression moulding, which cut costs by around 50% compared to traditional injection moulding, making the project viable for production. The mould design also allowed for interchangeable inserts, enabling multiple variations and colourways without the need for costly new tools. This flexibility complements Patricia’s vision for the product, where she has strong demand from corporate buyers for customised, branded versions of the wearable band to roll out across their organisation to boost well-being.

“The flexibility Protolabs offers has been key to Myndtime. Not only have I been able to gain support from a dedicated project manager whenever I need it, but the ability to switch between manufacturing options has made this idea a reality,” said Patricia Porter, Founder, Myndtime. “The fact that I can supply a Pantone code to produce customised batches means more and more people can benefit from the product and improve their daily lives.”

From concept sketches and CAD files to the first batch of market-ready bands, Protolabs guided Patricia through each step of the journey — balancing speed, affordability, and quality. Five high-quality samples were delivered promptly, and once approved, production began.

“Protolabs have helped me take an idea born out of a desire to help, taking a solution to a problem and making it real. They’ve supported me through every stage — from that first prototype to now being ready for mass production. Without them, this wouldn’t have been possible.” Concludes Patricia.

Challenge

Founder Patricia Porter sought to design a discreet, wearable band to help individuals manage stress and anxiety. But as an independent inventor without large-scale backing, developing a manufacturable, affordable, and safe product posed significant challenges.
Solution
Protolabs supported Myndtime from early prototyping through to production. By recommending compression moulding and silicone as the core material, Protolabs delivered a scalable, cost-effective solution while ensuring safety, comfort, and design flexibility.
Outcome

Myndtime transitioned from sketches to a market-ready product with the help of Protolabs. Early orders are already in place, with strong interest from corporate buyers and international markets.

Key Results

  • 50% reduction in tooling costs achieved through compression moulding.
  • Transitioned from prototype to full production with a 1,000-unit first order.
  • Flexible design enables multiple colour variations from a single tool.