Practice it works in The ‘Chairless Chair’ is designed primarily for manufacturing environments where workers need to stand for prolonged periods of time. Since having a chair in manufacturing environments can pose as obstacles or safety hazards, the ‘Chairless Chair’ aims to remove such worries while providing comfort for its users.
Its specific use It is designed as a “wearable skeleton”. The user can walk around freely and receive support when squatting, crouching or bending. This reduces the physical strain in laborious occupations, in turn reducing absences and early retirement.
Mobility Users can comfortably walk around and the wearable exoskeleton will provide support, instantly, should they need to go into an uncomfortable position. There is a torso harness as well as torso and thigh straps to ensure that the wearable chair fits snugly. Moreover, the seat does not disrupt the user’s movements when walking around.
Utility vs Fashionability The ‘Chairless Chair’ is mainly made for the purpose of utility rather than fashionability since it looks rather tacky.
Tackle Tek Nomad Backpack
Tackle Tek Nomad – Lighted Backpack by Wild River Outdoor Gear
Practices it worksin This backpack is the all-in-one toolbox for fishermen to load their equipment.
Its specificuse The Backpack has the following features: – LED light – Tray storage – Sunglass holder – Plier holder – Retractable lanyard – Front pocket Each of the above feature has a unique purpose which allows for equipment to be properly stored and organised. Tools such as pliers, which may potentially damage other equipments, and sunglasses, which are fragile, are kept away in different compartments to protect other equipments or make it more convenient to reach to.
Mobility Since everything is incorporated in a bag, it is convenient to bring around and equipment is properly organised for convenient retrieval.
Utility vs Fashionability The Backpack is focuses more on utility rather than fashionability because of its simple design, colour and practical add-ons. It could look bulky and thus, too tacky to be fashionable.
BCon is a motion-tracking wearable tool for built for gamers that acts as a supplement to the usual tools of a gamer- mainly the controller or the keyboard + mouse. The user ties the Bcon around his foot, which then enables him access to shortcuts by just moving his foot. At the moment, Bcon is still on Kickstarter and is scheduled for shipment in December this year.
Its specific use
Basically, it is another controller controlled by movements of your foot. By moving your foot in one of four ways – pitch up (toes up), pitch down (heel up), roll left and roll right, you can activate a certain key or a shortcut in your game. Users can map ANY keyboard key to the BCon gestures. For example, if I’m a playing a First Person Shooter game, I can pitch my foot up to reload, pitch down to sprint, roll left to throw grenades and roll right to use a med-pack.
Users can map up to SIX key presses to each gesture, which means you can have access to 24 different key presses with just one of your foot. The BCon measures the degree of movement/ rotation to tell the intended keypresses apart, all of which is fully customisable by the user.
Though intended for gamers, the developers at Gameforge also states that the BCon can also be used for other software like the Adobe Creative Suite or even Microsoft Office. This gives the user a quicker access to the various tools available.
Mobility
The BCons looks no larger than a matchbox and is claimed to be able to wrap around most footwear (even steel-toe boots!). It is definitely portable, easily rechargeable through a USB cable, and operates via Bluetooth connection. The foam cushioning at the underside of the BCon’s provides added comfort for the user,.
Utility vs Fashionability
It is only a gamer’s dream to be better at a game, and there are already tools like a gaming keyboard and mouse to aid gamers; but why stop there? The company claims that the Bcon can “improve a gamer’s speed by 17%, their precision by 23% and even reduce errors by 15%”. Undeniably, the BCon can be very useful to not only gamers, but even creative individuals. It is also worth noting that the Bcon can be a tool used for disabled gamers who are unable to game with their hands.
Fashion-wise, it looks sleek and stylish enough to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb. Though it is slightly strange to see one wearing a cube-like device on their foot, I think fashion would not matter as much because the Bcon would only be used during gaming – usually done behind a desk.
The Soundbrenner Pulse is dubbed as the world’s first wearable for musicians. It looks like watch and it can be worn anywhere on the body – wrist, arm, leg, and even across the chest.
Its specific use
In its essence, it is a wearable metronome to help musicians keep to a certain rhythm. It gives out vibrations on the beat, ensuring that musicians feel the beat and focus their full auditory attention to their music. Users can adjust the tempo either by turning the dial of the device, via their smartphone through the companion app, and even registering their intended tempo by tapping the device. Users can also synchronise the Pulse with 4 other devices, which would help those in bands or orchestras to keep in tempo.
Mobility
The Pulse looks just like smartwatch and it can be used as long as you’re connected to a device that has the app installed. Lightweight and portable, this eliminates the hassle of bringing a physical metronome around.
Utility vs Fashionability
In my opinion, the Pulse scores high in both utility and fashionability. In my musical experience, I’ve always found it difficult (for everyone) to always play on tempo. It’s even harder to multitask listening to the tempo/ looking at the conductor and focus on playing your part. Hence, I can see how it can be useful for musicians. Besides, their long list of testimonials from renowned musical acts speaks for itself as well!
There is not much to dislike about the look of the device. It looks conventional in the sense that it looks like a smartwatch, it emits an LED light around the face of the watch (which is super cool), minimal-looking logo right in the middle, and it just looks all-around cool.
Product image of Tobii Pro Glasses 2My sketch of the Tobii Pro Glasses 2
Practice it works in
The Tobii Pro Glasses 2 is designed mainly for researchers who conduct field studies in their research of human behaviour.
Its specific use
Tobii Pro Glasses 2 gives researchers deep and objective insights into human behaviour by showing exactly what a person is looking at in real time as they move freely in any real-world setting. Researchers can understand how people interact with their environment, what catches their attention, what drives their behaviour, and what influences their decision making. This wearable and mobile eye tracking system opens up entirely new opportunities for behavioural studies.
With a unique first-person perspective and true measurement of visual attention and cognitive engagement, Tobii Pro Glasses 2 can be also used as a tool for training, skills transfer, and performance enhancement. The real-time observation of participants’ gaze data provides quick and actionable insights. Whether the eye tracking study is conducted in a lab, shopping mall, manufacturing facility, home, or sports field, researchers can achieve accurate and reliable results in human behaviour research.
Mobility
The user-centric design and mobility of Tobii Pro Glasses 2 have resulted in an intuitive easy-to-use eye tracking system that allows users to focus on the data analysis and makes the data collection a simple quick exercise. Any user can get started with data collection easily without prior experience with the help of the system-guided procedures and a quick one-point calibration. In order to ensure maximum mobility during the study, the recording unit also allows for easy access to the SD card, sync port, and batteries.
Utility vs Fashionability
Tobii Pro Glasses 2 is indeed very useful for researchers as studies on human behaviour is no longer confined to just the labs. Nothing is more accurate than observing research subjects and their behaviours in their real, intimate environments. To add on, having a wearable eye tracking system opens up new areas of research that would not have been possible. Hence, I would say that the glasses has high utility. To add on, the glasses look futuristic and stylish, like a gear right out of a science fiction movie. It reminds me of Google glasses as well. I would say it is fashionable because I want to wear it. It is comforting that Tobii Pro Glasses 2 has achieved a great balance of utility and fashionability.
The HC1
Product image of the HC1My sketch of the HC1
Practice it works in
The HC1 is not designed for a specific practice. It is designed for anyone who needs a mobile computer for the work environment.
Its specific use
The HC1 is a unique wearable device: a fully rugged mobile computer for the work environment. Through an adjustable optical micro-display, it provides a view equivalent to a 15-inch laptop screen. This allows users access to critical documents, videos and photos, with information displayed just below their line of sight. Its purpose is made for workers who need big-screen device capability to view highly complex graphical data or schematics in work environments where carrying a laptop or tablet is not feasible, safe or convenient.
Mobility
The HC1 has great mobility because it was designed to address the mobility issue of a computer. It is lightweight, and it has a strap that secures the device to a human head. Hence, anyone who has a head will be able to use the device anywhere and everywhere.
Utility vs Fashionability
The HC1 has good utility as it can help a practitioner carry out his or her work more efficiently with a mobile, wearable computer. For example, a construction worker can view the blueprint on this device while doing his work in the field. However, I would say that the HC1 is lacking in terms of fashionability because it does not look cool. It looks kind of weird to have a thick black “arm” protruding from the side of your face. However, in work environments, who cares about fashion when you can complete your work more efficiently?
The Wheelie Wrench tool is created for recreational and competitive bikers. This bike tool, approximately the size of a matchbox, comes separately from the All TimeBelt. It is made to enable riders to fix their bikes at anywhere and anytime.
Specific Use
The Wheelie Wrench bike tool is also equipped with 17 essential tools in a design that is compact and easy to carry. Its features include:
2mm thru 6mm hex bits (including 2.5mm)
T10 and T25 Torx bits
#2 Phillips screwdriver
Slotted screwdriver
Tire lever
8mm box wrench
10mm box wrench
15mm open ended wrench
Spoke wrenches
The tools are useful for adjusting the tyre rubber around the rim of the wheel, tightening of screws of different parts of the bike such as the handbrakes and fixing of the bottle holder and more.
Mobility
Due to its small size, the Wheelie Wrench bike tool can be easily carried around. It fits perfectly fine in pockets and is extremely mobile and convenient. Fix Manufacturing also came out with a belt design that can be worn with this bike tool.
Utility vs Fashionability
This bike tool is extremely functional and is catered specially for bike riders with the specific essential tools to fix their bike. The company also designed tool sets that is catered for skaters and snowboarder, all of which differs in the attached tool set depending on what the various profession requires. Its matchstick box-like design made it look sleek and convenient. When paired with the All TimeBelt, the tool can instantly become a fashion statement.
According the Fix Manufacturing, Its utility qualities are also further enhanced with the characteristic of being weatherproof. All the tools have undergone the saltwater corrosion testing that simulates the harshest condition. Also, it is highly durable due to its heat-treated steel alloy material. Hence, this bike tool can be highly usable and fashionable at the same time.
Source: http://fixmfg.com/
GoX SmartRun Insole
Practice It Works In
The insole was actually a product that kick-started during a 5-year partnership with the US Navy with goal of optimising training. It can be used by athletes to keep track of their progress and to enhance the effectiveness of their training, especially if their profession requires leg movements.
Specific Use
It is the first insole that is able to measure:
Propulsive Power
Velocity
Metabolic Efficiency
Stride Symmetry
Peak forces from Heel to Toe
It is made up of a Bluetooth-enabled carbon fabric nanomaterial with conductive electrodes inside a protective insole. By measuring forces on the foot, users will be able to optimise fitness training, reduce the risk of injuries and provide more accurate results on the measurements stated above, which I would say is vital for most athletes and professions that requires the use of leg movements.
Mobility
It is highly mobile because athletes and users can track the data and records anytime and anywhere they go as the insole automatically sends data to a mobile app that GoX Studio had developed, during and after the exercise. It is also lightweight and can easily be switched when shoes are changed. With this there’s no need for athletes like runners to check their condition in a lab with laptop/computer and wires/patches attached. They can track their progress anytime they want with the app, even during training.
Utility vs Fashionability
It is highly usable due to its accuracy. It is confirmed by the U.S. Army that the SmartRun insole is 11.7 times more accurate than leading consumer fitness trackers for calories burned and its data actually nearly matches the result of the clinical standards for measuring metabolism, calories burned, and ground floor impact.
Fashion-wise, I would say it is not a big factor as it is hidden inside the shoes. But overall, it has a cool and professional look to it with the gold coloured cover and black outline. Most importantly, it is said to be highly comfortable and users will not be able to feel the GoX SmartRun when they walk or run.
In a world that already values any and all forms of content sharing, it’s no surprise that the tech and video industry is moving in the direction of VR and AR experiences that can more closely mimic real experiences. Wearable devices and concepts for VR are seemingly everywhere, but what I think will truly be revolutionary is finding a way for users to control their own production of VR content. That’s where this wearable 360° camera will come in; the FIT360 is a device that sits around the user’s neck and records the surrounding environment from their own perspective. What better way to share experience than to show everyone exactly what you see in 360?
Its specific use
The essential use of this product is to capture video in 360° through a hands-free device that sits around the user’s neck. Videos can be shared live or after being captured, and provide users with the ability to share content without being limited by the constraints of a standard camera.
Mobility
The device itself is designed to be unobtrusive, and it rests around the user’s neck similarly to the way large headphones would. It doesn’t look particularly comfortable and looks quite chunky, but reviews are still relatively positive. People indicate that the design gently hugs the neck in such a way that helps keep the device in place. Long hair has to be put up so as to not be in the way, but for the purpose it is intended for — recording an environment upon desire, it works well.
The wearable camera is hands free, so it’s more convenient to use than existing 360° camera solutions while being active or doing other things. It looks similar to other styles of wrap around earphones and headphones, so it doesn’t look completely out of the ordinary for users to wear. It isn’t a device that is envisioned to wear every day, rather it’s meant for recording specific experiences where users would otherwise bring standard cameras or existing 360 camera solutions (tourism, exploring, social events). Ultimately, the wearable device benefits users in regards to utility since it is a more convenient solution than other existing 360° cameras, and it serves users in regards to fashion because it doesn’t particularly stand out in regards to existing design styles.
I was really interested to see what kind of creative wearable technologies had been created during a time when technology simply meant having tools. I discovered “The Abacus Ring”, which was created around 1600’s. Evidently, it is a small version of an abacus, a calculating tool. However, it is made very portable in that it is very small, and can be worn on a person’s finger. The Abacus Ring was apparently made in the Qing Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China.
Its specific use
The use of this wearable technology is to help people, presumably mathematicians, make calculations or count on the go. The small spheres are miniature versions of the larger sized abacus, and can be shifted using a metal toothpick or similar object.
Mobility
Normal sized abacuses are significantly larger and more heavy than this ring, which makes them difficult to carry or use on the go. This ring brings together all the value of an abacus, but allows users to wear what they need on their finger to be used anywhere they need. The elements are significantly smaller and evidently much lighter, so this wearable is extremely mobile as it can be held seemingly without issue on someone’s finger.
Utility vs Fashionability
In regards to utility, this wearable must be considered within the context of its time. Nowadays, we have automatic calculators and a written numeral system that renders the need for an abacus entirely useless. However, in the 1600s an abacus was likely very convenient to have for people dealing with numbers on a daily basis. This ring would have possibly provided such people with increased utility in that it would have been less difficult to carry around. However, it could have also created more problems in that it was so small that in a stationary environment it would have been more tedious to try and control the minuscule metal pieces. In regards to fashionability, the ring is designed much like other ring styles are and would have fit in at the time as a metal accessory.
These durable plastic rings work with an application to turn any surface into a soundboard on-the-go. The sensor at the bottom of the rings detect the color of the surface it has been tapped on and allows you to assign a sound (on the application) to it. The application can register up to 10 rings at a time (full two hands! you can play the piano!).
The rings can also be attached to things other than your fingers. For example, toes or drum sticks (e.g. to create a makeshift drumset) can work as well.
Practice it works in:
It would suit music producers on the go as a portable MIDI device; but it can also be used for many situations like music education – especially suitable for beginners and children. The company also has an open source code for the application online so it can be modified into many things as well. One suggestion from the company that I thought was extremely useful was in guiding colorblind individuals.
Mobility:
Extremely mobile since they are small, portable, lightweight and robust. They also come with a micro-USB charging port, which is a wire that is very commonly used by other devices like Android phones.
Utility Vs Fashionability:
The company has kept the design very simplistic so that nothing gets in the way when in use. The default color for sale stated by the company is black, however they have used many different colors in their demos and are apparently intending to release those for sale as well eventually. I also liked that the edges of the ring are curved, making it look more ‘friendly’.
Sensoria Fitness Socks and Anklet
Promotional Picture found on their websiteSensoria Fitness Socks + Anklet drawing
Smart Socks designed specially for Runners
These smart socks are fitted with textile sensors that record data runners might want to pay attention to: such as a step counter, speed, calories burnt and speed. Interestingly, it also is able to identify patterns in movement that might cause problems like sport-related injury due to incorrect running form.
Practice it works in:
These socks are catered to the serious runner (professionals) but I can see it being used in situations such as physiotherapy since it helps keep a keen eye on the specific muscle movements and other factors that might influence the therapy.
Mobility:
Due to the nature of the textile sensors that they use for these fitness socks, the sock looks and feels almost exactly like a normal sock. Hence, they are indeed very form fitting and mobile. Perhaps the only thing that might get in the way would be the anklet as it is slightly bulging and is positioned at the ankle – where there would be a bend.
Utility Vs Fashionability:
As mentioned in the previous point, these socks do not have any unnecessarily bulky parts and are designed in a chic grey ribbed fabric (typical of sports socks). The anklet is also very minimalistic in pure white. Sensoria even includes a possibility of covering the anklet by folding the sock over it – further increasing the appearance of the smart sock. This is all done while not compromising the effectiveness of the product itself. They transfer the ‘bulky’ things like screen displays, etc, by bluetooth transferring it to a mobile application that will display all the data from your smart phone.
As the name suggest, the purpose of the belt is to keep all the tools the hairdresser needs in place and use them as and when it is needed.
Its specific use
The belt allows the hairdresser to store all sorts of hairstyling tools which normally compromises of various types of scissors and combs. This helps the hairdresser save time in finding the necessary tools needed during a haircut and smoothen the process.
Mobility
As it is strapped usually by the side of the waist, it does not really obstruct movement in any form or way. However, if there is a huge number of hairdressing tools strapped to the side, it may obstruct some movement.
Utility VS Fashionability
It is a very convenient tool as the hairdressers can change hairdressing tools without moving around to get another. Also these belts generally do not have a fixed number of pockets and can be customizable to fit the hairdresser needs. In terms of design, it does not stand out much but the belt allows people to identify the user as a hairdresser.
June
Practice it works in
The device was suggested for gardeners however it could be used by anyone who does not want to get sunburnt.
Its specific use
The device tracks the user’s exposure to the sun and alerts the user when they have exceeded the recommended amount of sun exposure.
Mobility
It is simply a wrist bracelet with a device and does not obstruct any form of movement.
Utility VS Fashionability
The aesthetics of June resembles any ordinary hand accessory. Perhaps the purpose of the device is to track sun exposure and at the same time look fashionable. The device does not stand out as a tracking device and could be used just simply for fashion.
The magnetic wristband isn’t limited to one practice alone, and is most commonly made use of by plumbers, mechanics, auto repairmen and any other professional who often deals with small metal tools.
Specific use
The magnetic wristband is meant for holding small metal tools like screws and bolts around the wrist of the user, which is especially useful during handy activities. The sturdier and better quality ones can even hold heavier tools like small screwdrivers.
Mobility
The wristband is very mobile as it is strapped around the wrist of the user, and does not hinder the user’s movement in any way.
Utility vs Fashionability
The wearable tool is very functional, keeping all the metal bits in one place and prevents the user from misplacing them, especially since they are so small and can be easily lost. The fact that the wristband is attached to the wrist also keeps the users’ hands free and allows them to make use of both hands without having to hold on to anything. The wristband should also be quite comfortable due to the padding that is present, and is made from a nice mesh material, meaning that it wouldn’t cause the user to perspire much. However, one issue could be that the nails are exposed and can be easily knocked off should the user not be careful enough. The wristband should not be much of a fashion faux pas and can be easily passed off for a sport accessory or something similar.
Exosuit
Practice it works in
The suit is for underwater researchers.
Specific use
The suit is also dubbed a wearable submarine, allowing divers to explore deep (1000 feet) into oceans for long periods of time.
Mobility
The suit is rather mobile, with 18 joints, allowing relatively natural movement for its user. The suit is described as “a fully-certified submarine in the shape of a human”. It also comes with underwater thrusters that can help boost the user around, improving the mobility of the user in that sense.
Utility vs Fashionability
The suit allows divers deep sea exploration for longer period of time and is generally very practical as it comes with its own life support system and does not require its user to spend multiple days in a decompression chamber following the dive. The suit also allows the user to communicate with people out of water and has cameras to capture images of whatever is going on under the water that can be used for research purposes later on. It comes with claws that can help the user grab objects and cut things as well. Basically all would be nice for a diver to have underwater is now built into this suit and is made easily accessible.
Fashion-wise, it may not be the most ideal on land and would not be very useful either, with it probably being quite heavy.
The newest technology for athletes. Useful for lightweight and comfortable workout sessions with real-time coaching feedback. Activate the sunglass by saying ‘Okay, Radar.’ Radar Pace will then provide feedback on your workouts while you’re exercising; “Your stride rate is low. Smaller, quicker steps.” Helps the athlete to maximise and optimise workout performance. Both utility and fashionability considered with the stylish sunglasses from Oakley able to monitor and track your fitness while on-the-go!
Drawing of Oakley Radar Pace
EMOTIV Insight Headset
Source: https://www.emotiv.com/insight/
This headset from EMOTIV is the basic headgear you need to read your mind (if you don’t already know what you’re thinking). Suited for medical purposes as an advanced brainwear for performance and wellness tracking through mobile interfaces. Insight is a 5-channel EEG device that allows the user to track his/her brainwaves and translate them into meaningful yet simplified, understandable data. Done by attaching sensory polymers to specific parts of the head and by concentrating on certain actions say, “Draw a circle”. The brainwaves generated then will be translated onto a mobile interface. EMOTIV states Insight can have medical benefits for users such as helping people with ADHD improve their concentration. Utility is well-thought out but the aesthetics of the device makes Insight look like an alien particle latched onto your head to be honest.
Upon researching on the historical significance of Shamanic clothing, I stumbled upon a discovery that each shaman possess a special wearable item that they carry with them known as a mesa. The mesa contains stones and other artifacts in which a shaman collects and earns during his training, with each item representing a certain element that reflects the shaman’s personal journey towards the mastery of their craft.
Its specific use
It is a portable altar (where a shaman prays), which serves the shaman through different functions. These functions include, healing, ceremony, prayer and divination.
Mobility
The mesa itself can be carried as a bundle like a bag which the shaman carries. The bag is made of a folding cloth that can be unfurled in order to present the tools and artifacts that exist within it. Interestingly, the term mesa is also table in Spanish, which makes sense as the open bundle appears to be a mobile table that can be placed on any surface.
The medicinal bag is thought out well!
Utility vs Fashionability
The mesa can be extremely fashionable with intricate designs adorning the cloth that is used to wrap the artifacts. Utility comes in the form of aesthetics and design as the mesa is actually split into three compartments that represent the light, the dark and the neutral space that exist in between.
The SpiderPro Single Camera System v2 is the latest edition of wearable and functional tool for the avid photographer. As photographers sometimes need to be quick in order to adapt to the environment and make the shot before it is missed, the system attempts to resolve that with its functionality.
Its specific use
The system comes with a “two-position lock” to provide the photographer the option to unlock it for a fast shot. It also comes with an auto-locking mechanism which gives the photographer immediate security in any situation.
Mobility
The belt clip has been redesigned by the company in order to provide the utmost comfort for the photographer and through its strapless functionality which is also its main value proposition – the photographer’s upper body is now free as the camera is easily equipped to the hip.
SpiderPro Single Camera System v2 Sketch
Utility vs Fashionability
The SpiderPro Single Camera System focuses a lot on its utilitarian functions and uses a simple design for its fashionability. It does not offer more on colors and is basic in its aesthetics for its sheer metallic holster and the black woven belt design. Perhaps in that area as well, it serves to also provide the photographer with a bit of camouflage as it could easily blend into the photographer’s body and match his or her clothing.
