1.2 Meters - Emotional Expression through Interactive Design
Interactive Experience Design | MFA Thesis Project
My interactive wearable accessory, 1.2 Meters (2022), is a product designed to help creatively address the issues of social distancing in a post-pandemic world. With distance-sensing capabilities, this product is intended to remind people of the importance of face-to-face interaction and create a delightful, playful, and engaging experience between individuals.
Timeline
2 months
(March - May 2022)
2 months
(March - May 2022)
Type
MFA Thesis Project
MFA Thesis Project
My Role
Ideation, Interaction Design, Programming, Product Design
Medium
Arduino Lilypad, Ultrasonic Sensor, LEDs, Soft Circuit, Silk, Nylon, Fabric, Lenticular Lens
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Project Brief
Context
Since the global pandemic in 2020, social distancing has become the new normal for survival. But we yearn to transcend the "1.2 meters" social distance and return to the days when we are free to approach each other. This longing has become the inspiration for the work.
Since the global pandemic in 2020, social distancing has become the new normal for survival. But we yearn to transcend the "1.2 meters" social distance and return to the days when we are free to approach each other. This longing has become the inspiration for the work.
Work Description
The interactive wearable accessory is designed to be worn in multiple ways, as a necklace or a handbag. When the social distance between the wearer and passers-by is less than "1.2 meters", this wearable piece will turn from dark to bright slowly, the rhythm of the changing light is as gentle as breathing. This design is a friendly reminder for people of what we had taken for granted, which is face-to-face interaction. The rhythmic changing of light creates a meditative experience that brings people warmth, it’s our presence that enables us to illuminate each other’s hearts.
The interactive wearable accessory is designed to be worn in multiple ways, as a necklace or a handbag. When the social distance between the wearer and passers-by is less than "1.2 meters", this wearable piece will turn from dark to bright slowly, the rhythm of the changing light is as gentle as breathing. This design is a friendly reminder for people of what we had taken for granted, which is face-to-face interaction. The rhythmic changing of light creates a meditative experience that brings people warmth, it’s our presence that enables us to illuminate each other’s hearts.
Interaction Design
When the social distance between the wearer and passers-by is less than "1.2 meters", this wearable piece will turn from dark to bright slowly.
Interaction Scenario 1
When two individuals walk by each other and their social distance is less than 1.2 meters, the wearable devices will slowly turn from dark to bright
Interaction Scenario 2
When two friends approach each other and start talking, as soon as their social distance is less than 1.2 meters, the wearable devices will light up.
Research
Case Studies
I conducted research on the current state of wearable technology and smart accessories, analyzing them from three aspects: product categories, appearance design, and consumer market.
Define the Problem
How can I creatively address the issues of social distancing in a post-pandemic world and remind people of the importance of face-to-face interaction?
I conducted research on the current state of wearable technology and smart accessories, analyzing them from three aspects: product categories, appearance design, and consumer market.
Define the Problem
How can I creatively address the issues of social distancing in a post-pandemic world and remind people of the importance of face-to-face interaction?
Design Process
Design Process
Material Experiment
In the process of creating "1.2 Meters", I searched for new materials and forms of refracted light based on the concept of the work. After exploring different options, I finally achieved the desired effect by layering two diffraction gratings with a 90-degree rotation to create a soft, voluminous light effect that emphasizes gentle and intimate interactions between people.
In the process of creating "1.2 Meters", I searched for new materials and forms of refracted light based on the concept of the work. After exploring different options, I finally achieved the desired effect by layering two diffraction gratings with a 90-degree rotation to create a soft, voluminous light effect that emphasizes gentle and intimate interactions between people.
Product Design
The interactive wearable accessory is designed to be worn in multiple ways, as a necklace or a handbag. The white silk ribbon is adjustable in length.
Technology
This wearable design uses a soft circuit as a means to create intangible interaction that is light to be worn. The ultrasonic sensor is read by an Arduino Lilypad which controls LEDs brightness, and the piece uses a rechargeable lithium battery to power the circuit.
This wearable design uses a soft circuit as a means to create intangible interaction that is light to be worn. The ultrasonic sensor is read by an Arduino Lilypad which controls LEDs brightness, and the piece uses a rechargeable lithium battery to power the circuit.
Reflection
Throughout the creation of this work, I contemplated how intelligent fashion accessories could amplify emotional expression through interactive design. "1.2 Meters" emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human-to-human interaction and explores the intricate relationship between smart fashion accessories, aesthetics, and societal concerns. The elegant design, with its subtle transition from darkness to light, symbolizes the warmth that emanates from face-to-face interaction. My intention is to inspire people to forge connections and embrace the presence of those around them.