Wearable and Soft Interactions
Spring 2017
Instructor: Lara Grant
Ability Now Bay Area Collaboration
Duration: 8 weeks
The best design motivation is the one that involves improving the quality of another person’s life. This project is in collaboration with Ability Now Bay Area a center for people with disabilities. This project collaborates with 4 participants from Ability Now and Maureen DeCoste who is the Development Director. I had the opportunity of going and speaking with those interested in working with our class. Afterward, I received many ideas from the interested participants. Here are the 4 chosen participants along with a short description of their project:
Kevin Siemens – a remote with larger buttons that he can use, or a wearable, that will work with his TV remote control.
Emile Perry – a mouse that works easier for him. His hand slips off the mouse regularly and he has a hard time getting his hand back into place.
Jose Yapching – A wearable glove that will “speak” for him when he needs something. Depending on the movement, it will trigger a word for what he needs.
Atakilti Haileselassie– A wearable glove that will “speak” for him when he needs something. Depending on the movement, it will trigger a word for what he needs.
Requirements:
1) Students will work in groups of 2 -3. Each team will design one device and create 3 prototypes.
2) Each prototype must be well documented, this includes pictures and videos (when necessary) of the process.
3) All observations and interviews will be done in person at the Ability Now facility. This can be done by one member of the team if everyone can not make it to the facility. 4500 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, CA 94602. The proposed field trip days are below.
4) The final prototype must utilize soft circuitry and building techniques learned in class.
Feb. 3rd – Meet, Observe and Interview
Feb. 24th – 1st Prototype test
March 10th – 2nd Prototype test
April 28th – Final test and presentation of process