Following the success of the Keypad Tie, the question was raised "what about the girls?". So we designed and developed the MP3 fedora; a hat that allows you to control basic MP3 player functions via Bluetooth. Pressing the brim allows the user to play, pause and scroll through tracks. Swiping across the brim allows the user to raise and lower the volume. When designing the MP3 fedora, the challenge was to make use of the same 3 design guidelines introduced with the Keypad tie.
More info and photos after the jump.
How it works.
The MP3 fedora makes use of conductive thread to create a subtle interaction. A series of fabric leads are sewn between the brim and top of the hat. The fabric leads connect the circuit board (consisting of a Bluetooth transmitter, Arduino circuit, and battery) which is located in the top of the hat to the conductive thread loops at the edge of the brim. By touching one of the loop sends a current through the thread, closing the circuit.
The actions involved with using the hat include pressing and swiping the brim, actions normally associated with wearing this type of hat. As such, you can operate the device in public without looking out of place.
2. "See It Now ?" Interface
Visual clues to the use of the device are integrated into the pattern which is used on the underside of the brim and in the hat band. The flower petals are actually abstract version of the traditional play/pause, forward, and reverse symbols. Since the symbols are part of the pattern, its unlikely anyone would know what they were unless you told them.
3. Subtle Novelty
The bright pink lining, use of "feminine" colors and symbols, and the continuation of the brim pattern into the hat band are designed to attract female users while introducing a novel use for a classic piece of clothing. As with the keypad tie, the goal of this subtle design is to introduce the concept of wearable computer interfaces which fit within cultural constraints.
Conductive thread pin layout:
