1) THE WAVE PILLOW
Interaction Design, Product Design
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s1170491.htm
Elmar Trefz hopes to take the pain out of this tiresome ritual with the Wave Pillow—a smart cushion that can help surfers catch those sweet a.m. waves with ease.
The Wave Pillow maintains a wireless connection with your computer throughout the night, communicating with special surf-monitoring software. After you pick your favorite surf spot, the software will monitor the conditions at that location and, at a designated time in the morning, send a signal to the pillow. If the waves are high, the pillow’s 240-volt motor will vibrate strongly, jolting you out of bed; if they’re low, the vibrations are a little softer. The pillow can even communicate the frequency of the waves: long, regular intervals between vibrations mean good waves, while fast, irregular intervals signal fewer waves.
I believe that product design needs to collaborate with experience design, science, and technology in order to create cross-cultural interaction and compassion. For most people, being abruptly shaken awake by a vibrating pillow at the crack of dawn is not an ideal start to the day. But for hardcore surfers, it might be a dream come true.
2) DIORAMA TABLE
Interaction Design, Product design, Creativity
http://www.th.jec.ac.jp/~keiko/diorama/dioramaframe.html
This project is merging physical objects in daily life with images. The interactions add more humors, participants feel comfortable and it triggers their imagination. A town emerges and interacts on the top of table, when you place daily objects. Using natural interface, image recognition, design, algorithms and experimentation, the physical objects such as cups and plates become manipulators of a town on the table. The ropes become railroads, and trains appear on them. Spoons, forks, or chopsticks become water colored automobiles and start to run on the table. Cups and saucers become houses, trees and buildings. Breadcrumbs turn into DOG!!!
I am extremely fascinated by this project. The idea of turning a table into an interactive canvas that paints your imagination for you using everyday objects is amazing!
3) TRANSCENDENCE
Toy brainwave sensor, linear actuators, steel cables, custom electronics, various hardware, wood, incense and holder, candle, performer meditating
http://www.johnslep.net/work/recentwork/transcendence/
Artist John Slepian experiments with a new kind of embodiment in the digital world. In Transcendence, the artist is literally levitated through the power of his mind. Using a hacked toy brainwave sensor, electronics, and powerful actuators, the artist lifts himself by achieving a meditative state. Transcendence humorously and ironically explores the relationship of technology and spirit, and the nature of performance art itself.
4) THE ENERGY FLUXION BAND
Product Design, Interaction Design, Climate Change
http://www.moodvector.com/fluxion/
The Energy Fluxion Band is a wearable device that displays the level of electromagnetic (EM) energy in the wearer’s immediate environment. It detects energetic radiations from an endless array of technological sources including cell phones, computers, radio transmitters and power lines. The project is meant to enhance the user’s awareness of the electromagnetic landscape that is produced by the generation, distribution and consumption of electrical energy.
The 21st century, with its emerging threats of climate change and a rising sea level, presents most if not all of our great urban centers with unprecedented questions about their sustainability and survival. Most people with decision-making powers, in both the public and the private sector, really don’t feel as though they’re in danger. I love this project because it is empowering people to be aware and take action.
5) SUPERFLEX AURA POWERED SUIT
Product design, Physical computing, fashion design
https://fuseproject.com/work/superflex/aura-powered-suit/?focus=product
The fabric itself is designed with beautiful intricacies to enhance its functionality. For the suit to deliver its assisted movement, it has to grip the body while being comfortable. Within the soft, engineered fabric, there is a V-shaped band that holds tightly around certain points on the body in order to maximize ergonomics and lumbar support.
Expanding the social lives of an aging population – extending the window during which they can remain independent, active, and connected – is what Superflex auto powered suit is enabling.
