Proposal
Overexposure to UV radiation can cause severe health issues, including skin damage, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Existing protective measures, such as sunscreen or UV-blocking clothing, rely on user awareness and proactive application, rather than real-time sensory feedback. By making UV exposure tangible and intuitive, UV Shield encourages users to be more mindful of their surroundings, promoting safer sun exposure habits.
This work was created as part of a two week module at Zhdk Interaction Design 2024, mentored by Luke Franzke and Johannes Reck.
Softwares Used: Arduino, VS Code
Concept
Working with Arduino, we found UV sensors capable of detecting radiation intensity. The core Cocept of UV Shield is to translate this data into a perceivable stimulus. After evaluating different sensory modalities, we chose vibration (haptic feedback) as the most effective means of communication, leveraging the skin’s sensitivity to touch to create an intuitive and immediate awareness of UV levels.
Prototyping
We built initial prototypes using Arduino, UV sensors, and small motors mounted on steel shoulder pads. Through iterative testing of different motor placements, different Materials and unbalanced weight distributions, we refined the feedback mechanism to create gradual, noticeable vibrations. The device was ultimately designed as a wearable system, consisting of shoulder pads, a backpack housing the electronics, and adjustable straps to securely connect the components.
Acessibility
We considered the impact of sensory augmentation and whether the user "loses" a sense to gain another. In the case of UV Shield, no existing sense is replaced. By providing non-visual feedback, the device is also inclusive to users with visual impairments, ensuring accessibility beyond conventional visual warnings. Additionally, the project raises broader questions about how wearable technology can shape human perception and influence behavioral adaptation over time.
Solution
UvShield makes the invisible presence of UV radiation physically tangible, whether it's sunny or cloudy.
Four motors placed on copper shoulderpads the shoulders, one of the body’s most exposed areas, vibrate with varying intensity based on real-time UV levels.
The user can feel the strength of the UV rays and, through movement, discover when and where exposure is more or less intense. This creates a heightened awareness of UV radiation and encourages more mindful sun-related behavior.
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