Abstract
In this paper, we address the theme of future products design, proposed a design for an ambient communication bracelet, which combines digital technology and with jewellery making tradition. The work presents an example of future visions where unobtrusive interactive wearables are used for emotional communication. The paper presents the concept design process and prototype for an interactive jewellery, Ambi-Bracelet. The interactive bracelet is targeted as an aesthetic and simple communication device between couples over distance. The work is especially relevant now, when the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our way of socialising and communicating with our network of loved ones and friends. The jewellery design with Ambi-Bracelet was done by using traditional craft techniques combined with 3D modelling and rapid prototyping techniques. The functional physical prototype was manufactured by 3D printing the bracelet frame, and integrated with electrocromic displays showing user designed graphics. Electrocromic display technique allows printing of interactive graphics in low cost and small samples, which makes it potential for personalizing smart artefacts. The interactive prototype was implemented with Arduino based electronics. We report the process of creating the digital jewellery concept and prototype, and discuss the lessons learnt. The paper addresses the conference theme Products and Production.
Keywords
smart jewellery; long-distance relationships; ambient communication; electrochromic displays
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2023.158
Citation
Inget, V., Müller, H.,and Li, H.(2023) Designing Ambi-Bracelet - an Interactive Bracelet for Ambient Communication between Partners, in De Sainz Molestina, D., Galluzzo, L., Rizzo, F., Spallazzo, D. (eds.), IASDR 2023: Life-Changing Design, 9-13 October, Milan, Italy. https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2023.158
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Conference Track
fullpapers
Included in
Designing Ambi-Bracelet - an Interactive Bracelet for Ambient Communication between Partners
In this paper, we address the theme of future products design, proposed a design for an ambient communication bracelet, which combines digital technology and with jewellery making tradition. The work presents an example of future visions where unobtrusive interactive wearables are used for emotional communication. The paper presents the concept design process and prototype for an interactive jewellery, Ambi-Bracelet. The interactive bracelet is targeted as an aesthetic and simple communication device between couples over distance. The work is especially relevant now, when the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our way of socialising and communicating with our network of loved ones and friends. The jewellery design with Ambi-Bracelet was done by using traditional craft techniques combined with 3D modelling and rapid prototyping techniques. The functional physical prototype was manufactured by 3D printing the bracelet frame, and integrated with electrocromic displays showing user designed graphics. Electrocromic display technique allows printing of interactive graphics in low cost and small samples, which makes it potential for personalizing smart artefacts. The interactive prototype was implemented with Arduino based electronics. We report the process of creating the digital jewellery concept and prototype, and discuss the lessons learnt. The paper addresses the conference theme Products and Production.