As a quick studio project, I was tasked to create an interactive wearable to enhance the expressiveness of the wearer in some manner. I was asked to fabricate a low resolution model using inexpensive materials, rapid prototyping techniques and electronic components controlling the expressive elements. The prototype should also support a narrative exploring its role and the context in which it is used.
Given the expressive and emotional aspect of this project, I decided to ideate on commonly used phrases and idioms to draw on emotionally charged concepts. The final 3 concepts I landed on revolved around “penny for your thoughts”, “beat of your heart”, “curtain close”
The concept for this project derives from the idiom “Penny for Your Thoughts.” It toys with the idea by eliminating all emotional data from the wearer and simply having the interaction result in a printed message. It employs curiosity, trust, and pensiveness. It had three different levels of interaction: one coin, two coins, and trash (other). Each results in different feedback.
The top of the helmet has a magnetic closure that reveals the electronic components. The cup has three sections: two copper tape sensors, and a photo-resistor. Each section with copper tape detects the presence of a coin, and if the photo-resistor is covered, it sends a signal saying that trash is present. The signals flow from the cup to the helmet through the wire tubing. The Arduino is powered by a battery and the thermal printer is connected by a plugged-in extension cord. Depending on the signal, the printer will print a message from a library of random thoughts, or ask for trash to be removed.
A quick storyboard illustrating the designed interaction "Penny for Your Thoughts".
The fast nature of this project was a welcome change of pace. I was able to focus more on the concept and circuitry rather than be in the weeds of the physical and fine details of the model.
Although this project does not solve a specific need or opportunity, it has since become one of my favorite projects.
