Foot Watch
PROJECT Name: Rectractable
Group information
- Group Members: Aneesah Saeed Wendy Ho
- Project Mentor(s): Jessica Cox
- Meeting times: Mondays at 6pm
The problem
We are working with Jessica to figure out a way to make it more convenient way for her to pay for things at the store. Jessica was born without arms and has great foot dexterity. She uses her legs, foot and toes to do everything. When currently paying, she either uses her IPhone 8 to tap and pay or taps with her credit card.
Timeline
Competitive analysis
Blog 1
At first, Jessica showed interest in wanting to use an Apple Watch to pay, to answer phone calls, and receive text messages. Jessica likes the convenience of using a the watch to pay as Jessica is open to either having the watch sit on Chewie, her service dog, or possibly have it hooked on to her shirt via her left lapel. Jessica is not always with Chewie as she travels. Jessica is also able to grasp the watch with her toes and also using her chin and shoulder.
Blog 2
After creating a prototype for her to use an apple watch through a retractable cord, we found that unfortunately we could not get her to use the Apple Pay feature due to Apple’s Accessibility constraints. We learned that in order to use Apple Pay, a password is needed on the watch for privacy issues but Jessica is unable to type in a password it due to the small screen size. We tried going around it through Apples “pinch” and “tap” gestures to bypass the password but found that the watch would not recognize Jessica doing the gestures with her feet. From researching, we found that Apple has secured a patent for having a camera integrated in the watch. With the retractable cord we created, we have hopes that if Apple did come out with this product, she would be able to use the watch and the Apple Pay feature as it would unlock by recognizing her face. We concluded that it was not worth the money to purchase the watch now as she would not be able to use all the functions and hope to pick up this project in the future.
Blog 3
We then pivoted to exploring lower tech options to make it easier for Jessica to pay for things at the store. We discussed ankle wallets, shoe wallets, sock wallets, rfid earrings, rfid necklaces etc. Jessica owns an ankle wallet that she often uses when at the airport. We decided that Jessica would test our the shoe wallet and sock wallet on her own and that we would explore the idea of using the retractable cord but placing a wallet on it for her to scan her card on the reader without taking the card out of the wallet
Updates
Updates – 12/04/2023
We mailed out the two wallet prototypes for Jessica to test!
Updates – 12/02/2023
We have start making some different type wearable wallet prototypes today for Jessica, and we have sent her a update today of what we have made. We hope to get some of her feedback to see what is the next step we should be moving forward. We hope to mail her the prototypes on Tuesday night (December 5th) the latest, If we can get Jessica feedback by Monday morning.
Updates – 11/22/2023
We have tested out with Jessica with our first prototype. Here are two links we want Jessica to try out those product:
Sock wallet: https://a.co/d/64kSCwg – The idea is that she can put her credit card inside and then see if the register can read the card through the sock. If not, she might have to wear it on one foot, and then use her toes on her other foot to pull it out of the sock.
Updates – 11/21/2023
We have created a prototype for Jessica to wear the apple watch on her left lapel. We still need to test the pinch and clench gesture to see if Jessica would be able to use the watch to pay for things at the store. Additionally, we mentioned the idea of the ankle wallet or a smarter way to tap to pay which Jessica is open to further explore. She mentioned that she currently uses a calf wallet but that tends to slip down her calf when opening the zipper. The wallet she uses is a lot larger to fit her passport and other items mainly when traveling. We plan on prototyping a smaller version and thinking of materials to make sure the wallet is thin enough for the credit card to read through the bag, make sure the wallet doesn’t come off when she is opening it and to see if the card is recognized when placed alongside her ID card. Another option is to use a similar design to the left lapel retractable Prototype and have Jessica place her card and ID on that.
Updates – 10/16/2023
Regarding the wearing aspect of the apple watch, one option is for Jessica to attach the watch on her left lapel by attaching it with a clip to the shirt she wears. The watch would be attached to a retractable cord on one side of the watch and the other side would have a loop large enough to put your toes through it. We will further discuss the comfort aspect with Jessica to see how many toes she’d like to place into the loop. The idea is that Jessica would rest her leg on a counter and reach her toes through the loop and pull the cord to tap the watch on the payment reader.
As for using the Apple Watch to pay via Apple Pay, we have run into a few accessibility issues and challenges on Apple’s side. Based on our discussion with Jessica, we know she would rather not have to enter a passcode as the size of the screen is very tiny. We found that a passcode is not needed however, if she want to use the Apple Pay feature, Jessica needs to have a passcode for security reasons. We have a few ideas we can discuss like mimicking the “pinch” or “clench” accessibility gestures but one that we have acted on is the idea of using Voice Control to unlock the watch. Currently Voice Control is an option to unlock an IPhone however, they have not integrated this feature on the Apple Watch.
To escalate this issue, we have called Apple Support, left several responses on Apples Feedback forum, and also scheduled an appointment with the Apple Genius Bar. From our conversation with the Genius Bar, an individual has a point of contact with Apple’s Accessibility team who they reached out to.
Significant achievements
- 09/29/23 – We had our first meeting with Jessica to discuss her needs and preferences regarding incorporating an Apple Watch into her daily life!
- 10/03/2023 – Made an appointment with Apples Genius bar to discuss apple watch accessibility issues. We learned that in order to turn on Apple Pay, you need to have a passcode. However, because of the small screen size, it would be difficult for Jessica enter a passcode accurately.
- 10/05/2023 – Met with Jessica in person!
- 10/10/2023 – Purchased materials like nylon band and retractable cord and worked on first prototype for Jessica wearing watch on her left lapel
- 11/4/2023 – first prototype shipped to Jessica. We still have not heard back from her but sent a follow up 11/13/2023
- 11/18/2023 – zoom call with Jessica to discuss progress and ideas
- 11/22/2023 – zoom call with Jessica to test prototype
- 12/02/2023 – We made some prototypes for Jessica and hope to get her feedback ASAP.
- 12/09/2023 – working on the final presentation!