Wearable
A wearable device design based on a futuristic scenario and client specifications
This is Alberto, a second year Industrial Design student at Georgia Tech. We served as mutual clients for this project and built a scenario in which we both would design:
"It’s 100 years in the future. Technology has advanced to the point where microelectronics have become small, light, and extremely powerful. Moore’s law, which theorizes that computing power vs. size will grow exponentially, has continued to be proven right to the point that very small computers are capable of processing enormous amounts of data better than top-of-the-line desktop computers in 2017. Technology is integrated into everyone’s daily lives to help them live safer, more efficiently, and more connected than ever."
Alberto required a leg-mounted device that would assist him in running safer, faster, and smarter, and that would not interfere with his running in any way.
The first step was to take measurements of Alberto's leg, as well as use a 3D scanner to create a model of his leg that could be imported into CAD software. I used this scan to create a stacked model of Alberto's leg from laser cut chipboard. I then used this stacked model for preliminary physical modeling.
I then began ideation. I started by heat forming acrylic onto the chipboard leg to visualize the shape of the device, then moved to 3D CAD modeling. I was able to model directly onto Alberto's leg scan so the interior would be a perfect fit. I then printed a 90% scale 3D model on an SLS Resin printer to test how the model would hold up. The 90% scale first model failed, but the full size print held up nicely and fit Alberto. The PLA I used was very brittle and cracked after being put on and taken off.
I thickened up the next iteration so that it would be stronger and have more surface area touching the leg. I used an SLS Nylon printer which created a smoother finish, and a stronger model.
The final model fits Alberto's leg perfectly, and matches his aesthetic requirements.
In addition to the leg device, I created an appearance model for goggles. The goggles will show all the data collected from the leg device.
