Communications of the ACM
Exploring Public Perceptions of Future Wearable Computing
The researchers' survey found that the wrist and the forearm were the most preferred locations for e-textiles.
Credit: Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech researchers have conducted a case study on interaction with on-body technology in public. The team surveyed people in the United States and South Korea, and the findings suggest that scientists should focus on arms and wrists as they pursue wearable computing.
Survey participants watched videos of people silencing incoming phone calls using electronic devices stitched into everyday clothing on wrists, forearms, collarbones, torsos, waists, and the front pocket panel. In both countries, the participants preferred the wrist and forearms as locations for e-textiles, and said they were the most normal placement when watching someone use the devices. "This may be due to the fact that these locations are already being used for wearable technology," says Halley Profita, who led the study. "People strap smartphones or MP3 players to their arms while exercising. Runners wear [global positioning system] watches."
Some opinions were influenced by the gender of the technology user, and the appearance of looking silly, awkward, or weird.
From Georgia Institute of Technology
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