Background/Concept Development
A problem can be catalyst for a solution. If a creative solution has broad use, it might be a good starting point for a project.
I’ve always have a penchant for fashion; wearable technology has been on my radar for a while. I am doing this project for two reasons:
1) New York’s winter is unbearable, especially when it is 12 degree outside and you have a meeting to attend.
2) Most existing heated wearables– in my case, heated gloves, have an issue: it is not personal. Most of them are hardly personable. If wearable tech is to live up to its potential, it needs to start looking better. That is why a growing number of savvy tech companies are collaborating with forward-looking fashion houses, and companies are focusing on design first.
While researching for the project, I learned that beauty is as important as brains. When it comes to techcessories, the fashion and design industry should be in the driver’s seat. The aesthetic shortcomings of wearable gadgets: Bulky, squared off, masculine and plastic-y, they were not likely to find valuable wrist real estate (or face real estate, in the case of Google Glass) among image-conscious consumers. Silicon Valley has this misconception that if the technical feature is well-built enough, consumers will lap it up, no matter what it looks like. This is not the case. According to a study conducted by NPD Group, 51 percent of consumers who are interested in buying a smartwatch said they won’t even consider it unless it fits in with their personal style.
What I am trying to make an effort through this project/contribution to the field are:
1) Once again raise the point that attractive design is just as important as function design.
2) Another point is, a smart heated device should be applied in various situations. Unlike the traditional heated gloves, which serve only ceratin activities: skiing, riding motorcycle/bike, mountain climbing; and while the users are not out and about, they don’t even think about this device. Contrary to that, I want to make something that is multi-functional and can be used on a daily basis: running errands in cold, walking dogs in snow, commuting from your office to subway or coffee shop, typing paper on computer when the heater is out….etc.
Interaction System Diagram
User Testing Questions& Feedback:
Gender-wise, do you think this kind of wearable is more proper for one gender to the other? Why?
Compared to other popular wearable device (ie. Arm band, Wristband, Glasses…etc), do you think this device is designed for younger generation only?
If you live in the south, or a warmer geographic area, would you consider using a similar device other than sports or entertainment purpose? (i.e. heated-lining with water-proof material for working in a greenhouse or running errands in cold weather?
Response: Most user agreed that this is a device that is suitable for all-age. Many female users expressed a desire they love to see more aesthetic design if this device is something they are going to use everyday. Some think it is a good idea to make a pair of heated liners so they go with what they already have. Some suggests if the materials is waterproof, they would use it in the greenhouse. Some male users expressed aversion if the LEDs element is too obvious/shining/fashionable.
Final BOM:
Timeline
Week9-10: BOM, order parts, temperature test 1 (program write-up, range setup)(TMP102+heating pad with arduino or lilypad?)
Week10-11: temperature test 2(threshold set up), LED add-in
Week 11-12: temperature+light testing (updated: TMP102 out, TMP36 in, with Arduino. Corrections and adjustments made based on user testing)
Week12: Final Presentation
Final Version:
