WearNControl: Textile-Based Multimodal Customizable Activators

Abstract

This paper presents early prototypes of WearNControl, textile-based multimodal customizable activators. The prototypes were targeted at turning our ordinary clothing and accessories assistive. The activators are part of a system with a web-based interface that allows the user to tailor the functionalities of the activators. These first prototypes can be activated by three different methods; pushing, touching, and pulling, and the interface allows the following functionalities: sending text messages and emails, making phone calls, and playing music. Based on preliminary prototype testing and system evaluation by five testers, an overall success rate of 98% was achieved for all activator inputs and text message outputs. Next, more types of activator prototypes will be created, and user opinions will be gathered for desired activator functionalities. Further, by using better servers and services, optimal system performance can be achieved.