The Problem

Wayfinding is a tricky thing: for some, it comes naturally and without a second thought. For others like myself, wayfinding is a matter of trial and error (mostly error), anxiety, and frustration. Cell phones have greatly helped people like me, but only insofar as finding a destination, not in truly understanding cardinal direction. GPS is useless indoors. The reliance on a visual display can be a deadly distraction behind the wheel.

Goals

Inspiration

Many species of bird, shark, and ant use magnetoreception to orient themselves by perceiving the Earth's magnetic poles. I realized that we can artificially perceive them by using easily sourced electronics and communicate their direction to the user with vibrating haptic feedback or LEDs.

How It Works

A set of eight vibration motors is worn in a circular array. A magnetometer detects magnetic north. A microcontroller takes the readings from the magnetometer and actuates whichever motor is facing closest to north. The diagram below illustrates how this works. 

Sketch Exploration (Paper)

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Sketch Exploration (Digital)

Study Models

Findings

By making a series of quick study models, I documented the most comfortable and uncomfortable places for a wearable device.

Aside from making study models, I also set out to create a proof of concept. The goal was to prove that it could be achieved using simple circuitry and to gain a better understanding of electronics in general.

The proof of concept was made on a breadboard using an Arduino Uno and cheap electronic parts. I learned how to solder, gained an understanding of circuitry, and learned how to program the microcontroller. After making a fully reactive and functioning proof of concept, I proceeded to create a prototype using sewable electronics and e-textiles. I chose to make a belt despite my study model findings due to scale limitations.

The prototype worked for about 30 seconds before an electric arc caused it to catch fire. Literally. Lesson learned: give ample space between positive and ground leads.

Finalizing the Design

The wearable is a stretching armband or calf strap, worn wherever is most comfortable for the user. The wearable is low-pressure molded in TPE/silicone and houses eight vibration motors, a small microcontroller, a magnetometer/accelerometer, a series of rechargeable batteries, and cables connecting it all together. The band has molded-in pleats to provide flexibility and expandability which account for different limb sizes. Conductive snap buttons are used both to secure the device and to complete the circuit.

Making a Silicone Study Model

To validate the geometry of the band, I wanted to make a silicone model and see how it would actually expand. This gave me the opportunity to learn a new skill: mold making and casting.

Lessons Learned