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Tabelit Sensory Toy for People with Learning Disability

TheFuture — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:35:56 +0000

Tabelit is a learning toy concept that will help people with learning disability to paint by pushing buttons with different coloring facility, allowing expressing their creativity. It has been designed with five different layers and features two mini speakers to produce quality sounds. The left sidebar includes an illuminating touch strip, on which the user can slide their finger to select a color that will come across the switches. The user can learn shapes by following the randomly appearing shapes and accordingly, press the appropriate button for that shape. A rewarding sound will be played with every successful trace. The user can express their feelings with music by utilizing the individual sound assigned for each button such as piano, drums, etc. Moreover, it offers single or multiple player games which will develop the social and responsive skills of the user. Tabelit can be used both at home for a relaxed, multi-sensory room environment and at workplaces with maximum functionality.

Designer : Trudy Cheung

D:Scribe Digital Pen Helps You Send Emails and SMS by Writing It Down on Paper

TheFuture — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:18:33 +0000

D:Scribe is a digital fountain pen designed by Reuben Png, a student of New South Wales University, that will allow you to send email messages and SMS from paper. All you have to do is write down the message by using the keyboard or keypad, whatever you name it, and circle the name of the person to send it in a more personalized way of communicating. You can access the previously written messages through a computer since the pen records everything you write. To express your thoughts freely, this device allows messaging through sketches which can convey your message beyond your words.

The human touch in communication is easily lost in today’s digital age. Hindrances to communication can include the interface of buttons, screens and keyboards. D:Scribe enables users to communicate with others in a way that comes most naturally, through handwriting.

D:Scribe uses a high quality writing nib befitting that of a precision writing instrument, as opposed to current digital ballpoint pens in the market. The nib can be rotated to suit the user’s handwriting grip style. The optical sensor beneath the nib is in a central position, as opposed to current digital ballpoint pens. As such the centred scanner is much more effective.

SMS and email messages are sent via bluetooth to a mobile phone or computer, without the user having to take out his/her mobile phone. In a social context, this is perceived to be a less anti-social activity than pressing buttons on a mobile phone to text someone.

Designer : Reuben Png

Scarab is Delivering a Sense of Personal Space and Independece to Its Users

TheFuture — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:22:40 +0000

In this daily clogging of road and parking space it’s always the space for parking that seems to be the main issue. In such a scenario, the new urban vehicle design by David Goncalves is something that’s what the doctor ordered. The design called as Scarab by the designer is not only a concept that is aimed at occupying least road space, but also it occupies very little parking space too. The vehicle is completely collapsible and the complete process ensures that the vehicle is parked on just two wheels. A very nice thought that surely will find many takers.

Text from David:
Transportation is a key factor in our urban environments and most of our cities are now developed to match the scale and needs of cars, and car users. This reality raises issues regarding sustainability and environment, energy consumption and quality of life.

So, “How can public and personal transports be redefined in a sustainable way, delivering a sense of personal space and independence to its users?” This was the title of my Master of Science in Design and Transport Thesis, concluded in Coventry University, UK, with Distinction, in September 2008.

In other words, the aim of this project was to develop guidelines and a holistic solution for a new system of urban transport, composed of vehicle and infrastructure, in a sustainable way and adaptable to various urban environments.

To develop the project I needed information about: user’s behaviors and explanations for them; main trends; analysis of existing solutions and identification of their problems; definition of applicable technologies in a sustainable manner in a near future. This information was gathered through an online questionnaire, statistical data from several sources, literary research, internet articles, pictures, video and expert interviews and then compiled in my final report.

Preliminary research indicated that several attempts to tackle the issue of mass transportation are being tested and implemented throughout the biggest cities on Earth. Several solutions exist already, but people always seem to give preference to a personal vehicle of some kind to move, commute or make quick trips. Only when there is no other choice, people seem to engage in public transportation. Personal transport is the preferred mode of use and this is a trend that keeps increasing.

The conclusion of the thesis report was composed of guidelines and design specifications that served as basis for the development of a new type of transportation that is truly sustainable and that meets people’s requirements. This generic solution was exemplified through a typical design project that will act as future reference and that goes by the name of “SCARAB”.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
VEHICLE:
- The vehicle allows users to have freedom of use much like a motorcycle but with the convenience of having an enclosed private space and luggage compartments.
- The vehicle can be operated in several different positions depending on speed. It is parked vertically for easy ingress and egress and optimization of public space. When in speed position, the vehicle also tilts when curving or changing direction.
- When circulating in dedicated pathways, the SCARAB is controlled by a centralized computer or by a traffic management centre. Outside of the dedicated pathways the SCARAB is controlled by the user just like any other vehicle.

VEHICLE SPECS:
-The vehicle is composed of interchangeable modules that can be customized by the potential buyer/user.
-Powerpack module composed of a permanent battery plus 3 options for the main energy pack (battery, biofuel ICE or a fuel cell).
-4 wheel drive through electric brushless in-wheel motors with directdrive.
-Wheels with regenerative braking through EW Brakes.
-Drive by wire and tactile HUD embedded in the Lexan canopy.
-Structural elements in Carbon-Aramid composite.
-Embedded sensors, Lidar, radar, transponders, GPS. These serve to exchange information with the system, with other drivers and to have precise location data.

INFRASTRUCTURE:
-Communication nodes spread through roadways and traffic management centres in major conurbations.
-Dedicated paths with electromagnetic transponders embedded in the road.
-Parking facilities with solar/wind power generators.
-High speed/long distance travel provided through a railroad interface (not yet developed).

SYSTEM:
-Renting of the vehicle or modules that allows for a private/public/mixed utilization and transport access for people with less financial resources.
-Doesn’t need new infrastructures (uses the existing roads).
-Is backward compatible with current transport systems and uses current day technologies.

Designer : David Miguel Moreira Gonçalves

Helios Lighting System Concept for Elderly People

TheFuture — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:02:01 +0000

The Helios system is an automatic lighting system designed to help the elderly live a healthier life through healthier lighting. According to experts, the two major health problems facing the elderly today are falls and bad quality of sleep. The products required for the system are a wall sconce, night light and a system-specific light switch. To address these two problems, a dual-stage approach is required. First, a night lighting system utilizing motion sensors allows seniors to move around at night without having to turn on the bright primary lights. Second, a series of daytime lighting therapies helps readjust the body’s clock so that seniors can get to sleep at a healthier time and sleep through the night more comfortably and soundly.

Designer : Aaron Jackson

Interzone Cell Phone Concept with Air Quality Sensor

TheFuture — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:41:49 +0000

The cell phone project ‘Interzone’ brings forward a new cell phone air quality sensor by Alistair Bramley. This concept aims to offer something that your iPhone does not have i.e. Sensor Planet. A Nokia Research Center has come up with this program on a large scale sensor networks. This project has sensor networks that will combine the physical and practical worlds through new methods of sensing. It will work in combination with a mobile phone to give you details about local air quality. So, get out of town and feel some fresh air with this amazing cell phone concept.

Designer : Alistair Bramley

Flow, Medical Healthcare Gadget

TheFuture — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:26:49 +0000

The medical health care products for home consumers are now growing and more effective for everyday life. Using the new advances in small particle nano technology to inhale into lung and monitoring the metered dose to delivery a specific amount. Flow is a medical gadget that focuses on the asthmatic who have both chronic conditions and asthma attack. Including bio-sensor for testing the air quality and records an allergens of each individual asthmatic.

Designer : Napa Pisutha-Arnond