Q Beta
Fiona Carswell, Kate Hartman, Nanna Halinen, Kati London, Megan MacMurray, Alice Tseng-Planas
Q Beta is a soft, accessible quilt that enables communication through voice messages assigned to each of its quilt squares.
Classes
Introduction to Physical Computing, Developing Assistive Technology
Keywords
assistive technology, quilt, touch-based, sound, isd chip
Description
Springing from quilting's heritage of storytelling, Q Beta literally tells a story through recordable voice messages, creating relationships between images and sounds. Initially intended for use in physical speech therapy sessions, Q Beta has a variety of potential applications. Both audio and visual content are fully customizable.
Personal Statement
We wanted to design a project that enhanced and enabled emotional, verbal, and physical communication for the disabled. In contrast to many assistive technology products on the market, we hoped to create something that could be personalized and customizable, and that would carry some emotional weight.
Background
Our goal was to facilitate speech therapy sessions for a non-verbal girl with Retts Syndrome. We observed the pre-existing system where she made associations between image and sound through the use of 'eye gaze'. We wanted to extend this system, enabling her to make these choices physically despite her limited muscle control. The quilt can be placed on the wall, on a desk, on her lap or on the floor, depending on her energy level.
Audience
In addition to our original user scenario, Q Beta can be used as a socialization game for children, a personal messaging system that can be given as a sentimental gift, or a memorial quilt that allows for personal storytelling. "Do-It-Yourself Q Beta Kits" provide a customizable design that encourages community building, communication through the process of construction, and the creation of a social artifact.
User Scenario
Flip a switch to turn on the record light, then touch a specific quilt patch and speak your message. Remove your hand from the square to stop recording. Flip a switch to turn on the playback light, and touch the specific patch to play that recording. Patches can be recorded and played back in any order and the visual content on each patch can be modified by attaching velcro-backed pictures.
Implementation
Q Beta is fully washable and is made of conductive fabric, conductive thread, cotton twill, batting, foam, muslin, fabric glue, cotton and polyester thread, and metal snaps. Each patch acts as a switch which triggers an ISD chip that is connected to the quilt via the metal snaps and conductive thread.
Conclusion
We learned the complexities of fabricating soft switches. The importance of user testing for functionality, rapid prototyping and product strength.
Additional Documents
- Q - Main Image