My Role
This project was made for a course on wearable technology at UC Davis. This project was made by myself, and a mechanical engineer graduate student. We researched, brain stormed, and fabricated the product together. I designed the experience, interaction, and fabrication of parts.
team
1 designer, 1 mechanical engineer
Date
2019
tools
Motors, Microcontroller, Ping sensors, 3D printer, Photoshop, Illustrator, After-effects
The goal of the project was to create a wearable technology that solved problems for an unknown future. The product we designed is a head device that vibrates depending on how close you are to a physical object for a future in which there is less light being produced.
While we were brainstorming we were considering different ways to alert a user of an impending object. One idea was a light system that altered the user of an object, but I advocated for vibrations that gradate depending on closeness the object. I felt that this would create a more seamless experience for the user as the vibrations could become akin to a new sense.
The vibrating motors and ultrasonic sensors lined a head band. There were 4 sets in total of the sensor and motor, with one pair in the front, the back, the left, and the right of the head. I designed it this way so the user could feel the vibrations from most angles.
Process
This video shows some of our process. In order to calibrate the vibrations, we would walk around with the band on and our eyes closed until we could avoid objects successfully.
This case held the ultrasonic sensor, represented by the dark purple. Behind it, sewn into the head band, were the vibrating motors.
I designed the spikey look of the case. Since the ping sensors are large, I figured it would be fun to draw attention to them and make the final design be reminiscent of a super hero.
My project partner was responsible for implementing the code and ma king sure that the vibrations from the motors matched with the ping sensors.
