Initial Prototype
Specifications
dimensions of main interface: 2.0"x1.5"
thickness: 0.5mm
display resolution: 160ppi
Once the run bundle is uploaded onto the watch, the icons for each widget will appear around the watch. Practically the entire circumference of the watch (excluding the area where the watch band would most likely connect) will act as a touch screen, and will lock within 5-7 seconds of being left idol.
View device set-up
How to Navigate through the Watch
Of the five functions, the runner can decide which widgets to view by dragging in an upward or downward swooping motion with his/her finger. The runner can decide to view just one widget or allow the watch to auto-cycle through several of the widgets. By drawing a plus (+) or minus (–) sign and then double tapping over the particular widget shown on the main screen, the runner can add (+) or subtract (–) that widget from the auto-cycle.
View prototype demo
Environmental Levels
There is evermore concern for one's health in relation to the environment. This watch is equipped with a temperature, air quality and UV level indicator, aspects all relative to the health and performance of a runner.
Pulse/ Vibration Sensory
How can this watch create a pleasant experience, void of beeps and other sound indicators? Is there another way to indicate changes or alerts? Thinking that many runners are plugged into music devices or in environments clouded with sound, we turned to the sense of touch to help indicate direction changes and other alerts. The GPS navigation and the encouragement mode are two highlighted functions that rely on pulse and vibrations to deliver information changes to the runner.
GPS Running Routes
Running routes can be pre-set online using sites such as Google's Gmap pedometer. The GPS device will help guide the runner
on their specified pre-set run, but it can also function as a device that can help indicate where the runner is located, should the runner choose not to create a pre-set route. When the runner is prompted to make a direction change, the watch will vibrate in a circular motion - counterclockwise to turn left and clockwise to turn right. The GPS device works well for runner's visiting unfamiliar areas or for those who tend to occasionally get lost.
Need Encouragement?
Our watch came equipped with a pulsing encouraging function that would pulse the entire watch at the rhythm of a runner's footsteps. The watch would connect to a pedometer/ sensor that could be placed in the shoe (a similar example can be viewed by nike+ipod) so as to track the footsteps. The runner has the choice to turn this off.
Back to the Drawing Board - Our Progress
After presenting the initial prototype, some considerations were taken in order to accomodate new concerns that came to the forefront. How could we simplify this watch to make it even easier to navigate?
Auto-Cycling through the Widgets
We decided that it would be better for all widgets to auto-cycle through the watch at an increment of 5-7 seconds. Runner's could override the auto-cycle and view a desired widget just by clicking on one of the other minimized widgets to the right of the main screen.
Start/Pause/Stop Function
We also integrated a start/pause and a stop button on the right hand side of the watch so as to allow the runner to dictate their run a little more smoothly. The Start button would being a run with a countdown. Pressing it again at any point would pause the ongoing widgets, allowing the runner to do such things as tie their shoe or wait at a stoplight. The Stop button would end the run and bring up a workout summary that would remain logged in the watch until it was uploaded to an online profile log that would work in tandem with the watch.
Pulse/ Vibration Sensory
We thought we needed to clarify the pulse and vibration indicators, especially since this is one of the attributes of this watch that makes it unique. We decided the GPS direction changes would be prompted with a gentle vibration around the the watch that would indicate for the runner to check his/her watch to see which direction to turn. We also decided that the encouraging pulse would be better off dictated by the runner. Instead of having a pulse that would coincide with the rhythm of the runner's footsteps, we added a High, Medium, and Low pulse setting that the runner would have to follow. The rhythm of the pulse could be adjusted online prior to the run, and the runner would have the opportunity to pick a pulse they felt was comfortable to them.
Other Capabilities
We understand that it can take a long period of time to develop a concept like this, so we understand that significant amounts of research and engineering are necessary in order to make an ideal runner's watch. As a running watch, we understand that each runner is different. Some like to see everything at once. Some have more needs than others. Some people like to prepare for their runs and others like a run with more spontaneity in their steps.
Great Possibilities
We realize that this watch doesn't have to cater just to the runner/ athlete. There are endless possibilities for different audiences. Bundles can be created to cater to organizations, cities, and for the purpose of other activites that require the use of one's feet as a transportation method. This device can be used for city walking tours, museum guides, hiking trails, and more.
Questions/ comments or for more information:
Ping Tsung Li: pli@artcenter.edu
Mari Nakano: nakano@artcenter.edu
