innovate 6 - Helen Hamlyn Centre - Royal College of Art

‘wearable’ mobile device based on simple,readily available technology that will to helppeople to distinguish between differenttypes of audio alerts, allowing informeddecisions and action to be taken.User inputUsers with hearing and visual impairments.User issues> Inability to hear alarm or alert> No differentiation possible between them> Inability to understand direction or sourceof sound> Feelings of vulnerability through inabilityto sense danger.How does it work?> Wearable paging device clips into holdingstructure of choice> Device can be worn on wrist or as pendantor badge> Device vibrates when alarm sounds> Symbols appear to differentiate type ofalarm or alert> Possible inclusion of inaudible travelinformation from tannoy systems etc> Simple, existing, usable technology.‘We have had meetingswith a leading mobilecommunication companywho seems to think it ispossible. It would just bea question of recognisinga certain pitch and frequencyand intensity andduration. So I think it isvery critical.’Tom Wilson (above right),The Team‘There are examples thatillustrate the productworking … of a noisyfactory environment wherepeople couldn’t hear thetea bell alarm going and avibrating pager would gooff on their hip … So thetechnology exists on localnetworks. Our challenge isto make it much broader.’Roger Rundle (above left),The Team30