Nano Meter 555 Midlayer, by Vollebak
Practice it works in
The shirt is made by Vollebak, a start-up specialised in adventure gear, suggesting it is intended for adventure athletes like ultramarathon runners. However, I imagine anyone who simply enjoys outdoor adventures could also reap the same benefits when wearing Nano Meter 555 Midlayer.
Specific Use
The shirt, made of sophisticated heat-retaining fabric and lock-down rubberised zip, is intended to keep users warm when outdoors, especially during nightfall. Being long-sleeved also indicates that it offers sun-protection during the day.
An added use is related to day and night recognition. Its highly visible colour – our human eye is most sensitive to wavelength of light of 555 nanometres – can enhance users’ visibility in the day; its retroreflective system of Motion Capture Markers allows three-dimensional human motions to be accurately perceived, even with the least amount of light available.
Mobility
The high stretch top does not restrict physical movement given its flexible, lightweight fleece material, seamless side panels and active stitching technology. Even the Motion Capture Markers are lightweight, flexible and barely detectable by touch: they are microscopic glass beads embedded into the fabric, rather than bulky glass discs weighing down on the shirt and user.
Utility vs Fashionability
The overall aesthetics of Nano Meter 555 Midlayer is similar to a typical running top; the Motion Capture Markers simply act as subtle matte design details. The shirt should appeal to anyone who is drawn to active or tech wear, whether or not they are actually outdoor adventurers. It is also in a vibrant green colour; in this case, perhaps, the aesthetic appeal is inherent in the recognition technology – the colour green with specific wavelength of light of 555 nanometres.
However, given its highly specialised use, I would say that its utility as an adventure gear is prioritised over fashionability especially for professional outdoor adventurers, whose safety might be compromised if not for proper heat-retaining gear and recognition technology if they are lost in the wilderness.
Nadi X Tights, by Wearable X
Practice it works in
Launched as part of a line of activated yoga apparel, the Nadi X tights with its accompanying app is intended for all yoga enthusiasts (men and women), especially beginners and amateurs who are learning yoga.
Specific Use
The haptic technology integrated into the tights offer guidance to yogis through vibration around users’ hips, knees and ankles, correcting any misalignment in posture when detected by embedded accelerometers. The pants, along with the Nadi X app, act in place of a yoga teacher and being physically present in a yoga lesson.
Mobility
The Pulse device, which activates the guidance technology, connects to its host plate behind the left knee. While it might not physically prevent yogis from getting into positions, its presence might cause discomfort to users if they happen to press onto it while posing. Otherwise, the tights are lightweight and highly stretchable given their four-way stretch fabric with flat seams, allowing for greater freedom in movement. Mobility is also not obstructed by the accelerometers and haptic motors which are integrated into the fabric itself rather than as external devices like the Pulse.
Utility vs Fashionability
The Nadi X tights are aesthetically similar to other yoga pants, all of which have a sleek, skin-tight appearance. They do not necessarily stand out as unique fashion necessities, even if the line of yoga apparel offers a variety of designs for both men and women. Without the Pulse device, they function and appear as regular workout pants; whereas the accelerometers and haptic motors allow the pants to function as a wearable tool, offering a highly personalised and private yoga learning experience.
Ho Koon Yee Kaitlyn, A0143645E