Gadgets to Live By
Hank Hsu
Advisor: Sharleen Smith
In our fast-paced world, Gadgets to Live By invites you to pause—simple yet significant reflection through design.
Abstract
"Gadgets to Live By" is a project born from the intersection of technology, personal experience, and the quest for pursuing mental well-being. This collection of gadgets emerges as a deliberate counter to the relentless pace of digital consumption and the often overlooked emotional landscapes navigated in our daily lives. Central to the project are two gadgets: "Haiku News" and "Decision Maker," each designed with the purpose of integrating technology into our lives in a way that promotes reflection and mental health.
"Haiku News" reimagines the way we consume news by transforming anxiety-inducing headlines into tranquil haiku poetry, displayed on an e-paper screen. This gadget offers a meditative pause from the bombardment of traditional news, providing a reflective space that encourages contemplation and emotional distance from the explicit and subjective realities portrayed in the media. "Haiku News" addresses the impact of information overload on our mental health, offering an alternative that soothes rather than stimulates anxiety.
The "Decision Maker" gadget responds to the indecisiveness that can often accompany mental health struggles. Combining the whimsy of a magic eight ball with the excitement of a slot machine, it not only entertains but also provokes thoughtfulness for the user, challenging them to reflect on the questions they pose and assist with the decisions they face in everyday life.
Designed, 3D printed, and assembled with care, these gadgets are not just tools but companions in the journey of life, offering insights and interventions in moments of need. "Gadgets to Live By" stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in creating gadgets that doesn't just occupy space in our lives but enriches it, fostering well-being, reflection, and a deeper engagement with the world around us.
Technical Details
Each of these gadgets were designed in Fusion, 3D printed, and then assembled by hand. Haiku News is powered by Adafruit's Feather board, e-paper display, NFC chip, and Decision Maker is powered by Raspberry Pi.