Project Proposals
Proposal 1: Forget-Me-Not Umbrella
The Forget-Me-Not Umbrella eliminates the issue of forgetting to bring one’s umbrella. When I was researching projects that I could use as inspiration, I was drawn to the idea of creating a wearable interactive device. I viewed things like dresses that reacted to motion around them, or a shirt that changes color based on air quality, but I would like to make something that would be useful a college student’s everyday life. The user would attach it to their backpack, and it will always be with them. The special thing about this umbrella is that it uses a moisture sensor to sense when it is raining. Once the sensor feels rain, the umbrella springs up to shield the person from the rain. The ease of a simple attachment makes the product ideal for anyone who commutes to work or school on foot and often forgets their umbrella. They attach it, and then let the sensor wait for it to rain.
Proposal 2 : “Step Into the Newsroom”
“Step Into the Newsroom” focuses on keeping people informed on the events that are occurring in the world as they happen. With a simple step on the area in the world, the user can know what new is occurring there. This would be a great way to keep students informed on the world during the school day. During my research, projects that connected those around the world peaked my interest. While this is not directly creating conversation between people, knowing information on events around the world helps to create an understanding of other countries. The idea of “Step Into the Newsroom” being a carpet came from my wish to create a product that was more usable in everyday life. Whether it be in a classroom or in someone’s living room, breaking current events are (literally) steps away.
Proposal 3: “Paint Perfecto”
This product is ideal for the artist who may not enjoy mixing the paint colors that they need to use. This idea came from the project “Moon” by Ai Weiwei and Olafur Eliasson where they created a sphere where people could draw on. Again, I wish to make something that has a physical use to everyday life. To create their color, the artist would use the computer to choose their color, and then the machine would mix the paints to create the desired pigment. In search of creating a physical way easing color mixing, the best day to do this would to use palette knives. The artist can clearly see the color being made, and will be able to make adjustments as needed.