A unique proof of concept actuated smartwatch has been created using a little Arduino programming and hardware, providing a glimpse at what future smartwatches may look like. This innovative project showcases how smartwatches can evolve to become more interactive and user-friendly by incorporating movement into their design.
Watch the video below for an overview of the Arduino project which allows the smartwatch to move into a more convenient viewing position when a notification is received.
Project Overview and Objectives
HCI Research @ Dartmouth explains more about the project:
We propose and explore actuating a smartwatch face to enable extended interactions. Five face movements are defined: rotation, hinging, translation, rising, and orbiting. These movements are incorporated into interaction techniques to address limitations of a fixed watch face.
A 20-person study uses concept videos of a passive low fidelity prototype to confirm the usefulness of the actuated interaction techniques. A second 20-person study uses 3D rendered animations to assess social acceptability and perceived comfort for different actuation dynamics and usage contexts. Finally, we present Cito, a high-fidelity proof-of-concept hardware prototype that investigates technical challenges.
The primary objective of this project is to enhance the usability and functionality of smartwatches by allowing the watch face to move in various ways. This movement can make it easier for users to interact with their devices, especially when their hands are occupied or when they are in motion. The five defined movements—rotation, hinging, translation, rising, and orbiting—each offer unique benefits and can be used in different scenarios to improve the user experience.
Potential Applications and Future Developments
The actuated smartwatch concept opens up a wide range of potential applications and future developments. For instance, the rotating movement can be used to automatically adjust the watch face to the user’s line of sight, making it easier to read notifications without having to tilt the wrist. The hinging movement can allow the watch face to flip up, providing a more comfortable viewing angle when the user is sitting or lying down.
Translation and rising movements can be particularly useful for accessibility purposes, helping users with limited mobility to interact with their smartwatches more easily. Orbiting, on the other hand, can create a dynamic and engaging user interface, making the smartwatch not just a functional device but also an interactive gadget that responds to the user’s actions.
The research conducted by HCI Research @ Dartmouth also delves into the social acceptability and perceived comfort of these movements. By using 3D rendered animations, the team was able to gather valuable feedback from participants, which can be used to refine and improve the design of future actuated smartwatches.
If you are interested in building Arduino projects, these may provide inspiration for your next project. The actuated smartwatch is a perfect example of how creativity and technical skills can come together to create innovative solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible with wearable technology.
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