Alex Dodge, in collaboration with Brooklyn-based tech start up Generative, has developed a set of wearable prototypes that “fetishize the technologi-cal imperative, or the inevitable hybridization of man and machine.” Dodge’s wearables are minimal, almost aseptic, in design and reference a sort of uncanny technological purism that feels more insane asylum that science fiction.
Sleep Mask
Of all his wearables (there are 5 total), I am the most intrigued by “Sleep Talker.” If you’ve seen Inception, perhaps the Sleep Talker, a wearable cap that virtually links users in their sleep state, may not appear to be such a bizarre concept. The Seep Talker is a wearable device that consists of a cap embedded with electrodes and sensors, a Sleep Mask that covers the eyes, and a pair of headphones. The cap monitors the users’ brainwaves, heat rate and environment and compares the data (“dream feeds”) with other users within the Sleep Talker social network. When the Sleep Talker software identifies a “match” — when dream feeds are in synch — realtime audio of the matched pair is played back to each other. There is, of course, also a group mode for groups of 3 or more to form “dream clusters.” The “Sleep Talker” is a curious “poke” at social networking technologies. As for the remaining wearables, I find it a bit difficult to extrapolate the social commentary. Descriptions follow.
Power Step
With each step, theses power-generating kicks produce electricity thanks to the piezos embedded in the soles. The electricity, stored in a removable battery, can be used to power mobile devices.
Vantage Point
Vantage point is a pair of headphones embedded with a POV camera that allows the wearer to periodically capture snapshots throughout the day. The images are then archived and shared online.
Haptic-Synth
The Haptic-Synth is an undershirt embedded with an array of touch sensors. The garment is designed to work with a custom handheld device. The device “learns” specific body gestures and performs assigned tasks.
Wearable Interface
The Wearable Interface is a jacket embedded with a host of technologies typically found in smart phones. From GPS to photo sensors, the jacket is an “always-on constant-feed device that can react to each user’s unique actions and environment in real time, detecting useful patterns and conditions over time.” For more information, check out visit Alex Dodge‘s site. via Talk2MyShirt & Engadget
