Date: 26 November
Time: 12.45-14.00
Place: RDB14 3.429
Wearable Computing has a wide range of applications and forms. We focus on vibrotactile communication as a way to communicate effectively with less cognitive load on the wearer—leaving eyes, ears and hands-free for other activities. We research and implement the development of vibrotactile patterns that emulate human touch with an aim to assist the wearer in order that the vibrotactile sensations become as if a part of the persons own autonomous nervous system. We have worked with sensitivity ranges for vibrotactile responses and purposefully work with a broad demographic—in terms of age and variety and breadth of experience. We situate the experimentation in urban spaces with a view to enhancing mobility, responsiveness and interaction possibilities in future mediated public environments.
Our current focus addresses a range of vibrotactile patterns in a wearable computing vest to communicate three states: calming and relaxation; activation; and navigation or information prompts—such as full body turning or warning to slow down or stop. To this end, we have developed the vibroacoustic Humming Wall that reacts to human touch—knock, swipe etc.—and conveys sensations both at the wall and to the vest and responds to and displays the heart beat and breath rate of the vest wearer.
We invite you to come and discuss the design and system processes and ecologies, challenges and core research questions and issues with us in an informal colloquium setting.