Sixth Sense

Designing for sensors as a service during the COVID-19 health pandemic. Project by Rebecca Cook & Lorraine Liao

We imagine that through smart design, the wearable sensor can serve as an informative platform for public interactions. (not to mention the fashion statement you would make!)

Our project came about as a response to the current states of things in the world right now due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Being able to safely utilize public spaces and parks where we can spend time outside and find support through engagement in an urban space could not be more important. The social infrastructure these places provide is unparalleled in value in a time like this, where otherwise there would be nowhere else for people to escape to in search of a momentary change of scenery and temporary respite provided by a fleeting feeling of normalcy. This project aims to consider the mission of this course in conjunction with this idea and to provide a product that could promote feelings of safety and security in public spaces today.

How might we maintain a six feet apart social distance without feeling self conscious and restricted from our daily activities?

The project goal is to use pervasive sensors as an empowerment tool for people to take back control of their lives and be able to comfortably walk around in public spaces. By designing a wearable ultrasonic distance sensor, we hope that individuals are able to weave themselves into the fabric of our “new normal” and become a part of our COVID-19 altered environment. The ultrasonic distance sensor has made it possible to pervasively recognize patterns of movement and give us a better sense of a new lifestyle which we have come to terms with.

The wearable sensor prototype was deployed in a neighborhood trail on a Tuesday morning.

We were interested in testing the position worn by the sensor to assess which method is best for collecting least “noisy” data. Two styles were worn for data collection in the deployment stage:

1. Backpack Style — The ultrasonic sensor is attached to the backpack straps and can detect movement behind a user. From a frontal view, the LED matrix is hung over the user’s shoulder and can alert the user.
2. Arm Band Style — The ultrasonic sensor is attached to the upper left arm of the user and the LED display is worn as a wristband to alert the user.

Distance vs Time Frequency Chart

Distance Histogram

Discussion of research findings and other details of the project can be found in the following report:

SixthSense-FinalReport.pdf