Body language detector from Yvonne Lake on Vimeo.
This device was developed in a wearables workshop, using an Adafruit sound card and metallic fabric, which allows a current to pass through and triggers a sound recording when pressed. By moving the body around, into different positions, the metallic pads are pressed together.
This prototype could be used to signal body language for the wearer, to make them more aware of their movements. Body language is largely unconscious, and yet a very important part of interaction, and so it could be used as an aid to developing good habits and more awareness. Another alternative would be to use the device for a performance, where movements would be carefully choreographed so that there is greater control over the triggering of the device.
This is of course a simple example, and the metallic pads do not provide a reliable method for signalling different attitudes and postures. This idea could be developed, however, with the use of more sophisticated sensors. Accelerometers, GPS and light sensors could all be used to detect different movements in the body, and various feedback could be given – sounds, lights, vibration etc – when different movements are completed, in order to raise the awareness of the wearer.
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