Samuel Sadtler

A wearable device which connects you to a place of significance and enhances your sense of direction.

http://www.itp-sadtler.com/final-project-description/

Description

What does it mean to be connected to a distant place? In a age where we are constantly trying to connect with our family and friends in remote locations we depend on the use of digital technology to communicate. Usually this communication takes the form of 2D visual information be it text, video, or images. But our non-digital lives are so much richer than this flat experience. We have also started to offload our mental abilities to the devices such as our phones. Instead of enhancing our sense of direction we have given total control to the GPS and map on our phone. But what if there was a way to deepen our connection with others remotely and enhance our sense of direction?

WHEARS is a wearable device which enables its wear to sense the direction of a loved one or place of interest through the use of vibration. The goal is to make a wearable device which is aesthetically pleasing, functional, and minimal. I will have designed the casing, printed circuit board and phone app which integrates with the wearable. The wearable will be made out of leather (maybe acrylic as well) because it can be refined in an aesthetic way which can be fashionable in an of itself. This will help to make it not about the technology and more about the form and function.

Classes

Always On, Always Connected, Circuit Design and Prototyping (4 points), Making Sense of Wearables