The Racing Hat
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Expressive Wearable | Aug 2024–Sept 2024 (4 weeks)
Through heart rate detection, The Racing Hat expresses anxiety levels of race fans in response to the intensity, speed, and unpredictability of auto racing.
Project Brief
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Design an expressive wearable in the scene of auto racing. Visually express race fans’ anxiety levels, encouraging wearers to experience fluctuating worry more positively.
About
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Project Type
Conceptual Design
Tools
Arduino IDE, Adafruit Electronics, Autodesk (3D CAD Modeling), Ultimaker (3D Printing), Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Laser Cutting, ProCreate (Digital Sketching)
Key Design Skills
Lo-Fi Prototyping, Rapid Prototyping, Form Development, Cardboard Fabrication, Market Research, Ergonomics, User-Centered Testing, Marker Rendering, Concept Ideation and Communication
a hat for the races!
Measures heart rate
The Higher Your BPM, The Faster Wheels Spin
As Anxiety Builds . . . Faster Spinning Wheels & Brighter, Flashier Lights!
Who will wear them?
FANS IN THE STANDS
A look into trends: What do fans wear to races?
how do they work?
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
DESIGN PROCESS
A low-fidelity integrated model was created using cardboard, utilizing techniques such as laser cutting, sewing, 3D Modeling, and Adobe tools.
Measurements were conducted to properly fit users' head and a flexible beanie was used for comfort. The design is lightweight and features a seamless sensor attachment on the ear, inspired by the familiar mental model of wearing earrings.
Measurements were conducted to properly fit users' head and a flexible beanie was used for comfort. The design is lightweight and features a seamless sensor attachment on the ear, inspired by the familiar mental model of wearing earrings.
ENGINEERING THE CAR
physical prototype
VIDEO SHORT
Reflection
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• Ensured comfort and wearability through lightweight solutions that still accommodated functional components; Utilized a beanie
• Made use of an ear piece for sensor attachment, aligning with users’ mental model of earrings; Learned to use pulse rate sensor
• Manufactured a car prototype that integrates well with human head
• Made use of an ear piece for sensor attachment, aligning with users’ mental model of earrings; Learned to use pulse rate sensor
• Manufactured a car prototype that integrates well with human head
Next Steps
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• Establish connections for the car prototype, create a 3D model, and generate laser-cut files from it
• Ensure proper implementation of components to avoid issues like tangled wires
• Develop a higher-fidelity model (e.g. including light covers)
• Ensure proper implementation of components to avoid issues like tangled wires
• Develop a higher-fidelity model (e.g. including light covers)