Scot Frank

The purpose of this project is to explore the various ways in which the LilyPad Arduino could be employed toward both functional and didactic uses, such as: air quality monitoring, water quality testing, reminders to take medicine, stretch break enforcers, etc.

The LilyPad Arduino is the brains of this operation. It’s currently connected to an LED for output and a temperature sensor for input, sewn onto a Tibetan robe. At the time of shooting, the program would alert the wearer when ‘too cold’ was reached. One possible use of something like this is to warn people of potential frostbite conditions or if chronic exposure may lead to arthritis. In mind I had the idea that women gathering dung for about 5 hours per day everyday could use this during the 4 months of the year that temperatures are constantly below -10C + wind chill. This was only a proof-of-concept, and hopefully with the availability of these components, people will find a use for them in their own lives.

Temperature sensor is positioned on the sleeve, not only where the affected hands are located, but also blocked from wind and protected from (some) possible damage.

The above is just v0.1. The next version will be developed by others who employ their own skills to address their needs, hopefully summer 2009.

An urban exploration in photos of how does bringing the environment you desire with you throughout the day affect yourself and those with whom you interact. In this example, you could consider it also an attempt of biomimicry or at least stewardship: the user brings a plant to every meeting, class, or outing.

Specimen A: plants need time in the sun, encouraging work outside of EE laboratories.

If regard is given for the plant, this may in part encourage people to spend more time outdoors; more time looking off the computer screen at objects of a different focal length; less time awake at night and following natural biorhythms more closely; drinking more water, as reminded by the plant’s required intake; breathing more clean air, as produced by the plant or a chosen environment; and encouraging happiness.