HUMAN CENTERED DESIGN ; Project Ideas
Project #1: An escape from the stress of Reality:
This device is not far off from the technology we have today, as it is based around the VR devices that are available for purchase currently. This device is meant for combatting chronic stress and anxiety. Not only does the top of the headset massage your head for the duration of your virtual reality experience, but it also lets out essential oils of your choice to promote comfort and stability. The exterior of the device that lies over your eyes is a hard plastic to prevent breakage, but the interior is a soft fabric to create a sense of relaxation, almost mimicking a sleeping mask. Within this headset, you will be able to control what you see with an app on your phone, that can be connected to apps like “Calm”, and “headspace”, for an easy and quick meditation. You will also be able to choose from a plethora of movies and short clips of relaxing destinations that are pre-downloaded for you.
Project #2: Anti-Slouch/Addiction
This idea came to mind from an advertisement that popped up on my Instagram feed regarding slouching. This little device sticks onto your back and buzz’s you when you start to slouch. I thought I could take this a step further. Based on the amount our generation is on our phones, realistically by the time we are older, we will all not only have back problems but neck problems as well. I have designed a device that you put on your back that notifies you when your back and neck are slouched by buzzing two pressure points on your back, and two on the back of your neck; no pain will be inflicted. This thin device is basically undetectable when wearing a shirt, and will have anti irritation and inflammatory adhesive on the back, that is also able to be reused. Within the center on the main device, there is a space where the buyer has the option to buy patches regarding their addiction, if they may have one. For example, nicotine patches, or a patch that helps control alcohol cravings.
Henry Stacy Marks: His human proportions and accurate drawings of living skeletons
Stephen Sawyer, Barbara Shermund, Sandro Botticelli. Three painters and illustrators that create pieces of art regarding addiction.
Maquettes and Revisions (Project 1)
This re-work of my first project idea, follows the same structure and purpose as I originally had, but with futuristic editions that I had not previously thought of. I originally wanted my wearable object to have a soft back, so one could lie on their backs and enjoy the tranquility that this design will bring, though I decided that it will actually mimic the style of a motorcycle helmet. This not only creates a futuristic design, but allows for padding inside of the head piece, still giving you comfort to lie down or sit up against a wall; the choice of the wearer. The top of the helmet does no longer give head massages, but fully emerges you into a virtual reality. While letting out natural anesthetics that put you in a trance like state, you can be teleported to any place of your choice, While you are experiencing this euphoria, this design comes with small patches that connect to the arms legs, stomach etc, to stimulate your muscles while you are in this state of relaxing. While this tricks your muscles into working, you become toned and healthy while sitting and relaxing; this great in a time like this pandemic, when people might not have the ability to do home workouts and go to the gym/ run outside.
