Wrist Phone - The WristPhone is a concept design that tackles two problems with current mobile communication devices: portability and text input. Inspired by slap bracelets and flexible electronic components, the proposed design allows the device to transform in order to provide the most suitable form factor for active use as well as passive standby.
The proposed text input method is based on a ¡°joystick pad¡± instead of a keypad. Each mini joystick is capable of tracking movements in four directions, thus provides more input channels than a push button. Without the need for tapping a key several times to select a letter or any predictive software, the user can input most letters and numbers with just one move of the thumb.
veBall (patent pending) - The goal of this project is to develop a proof-of-concept 3D input device for manipulating virtual objects in 3D applications. The proposed device (veBall) is intended for use by the non-dominant hand of the user in a desktop-based 3D modeling environment with conventional, large format projection, or immersive displays. The dominant hand of the user is free to operate a conventional 2D pointing device such as a mouse or a stylus.
The veBall will allow the user to control the orientation, view panning and zooming of the 3D model with the non-dominant hand; at the same time, the dominant hand is free to perform more accurate tasks such as selection, translation, and fine rotation. This interaction model takes advantage of the bi-manual input technique, which has been shown by other researchers to improve user performance and better utilize a user's physical manipulation skills.
EMS bicycle headset - Effective communication during a medical emergency situation is crucial. This project was oriented around designing a product that facilitated bicycle paramedics¡¯ radio communication needs. Such a product must be easy to carry and operate while cycling or treating a patient. Pushing and holding the microphone shaft enables voice transmission. This not only makes operating push-to-talk (PTT) easy with cycling gloves or rubber gloves on, but also allows the paramedic to trigger PTT using their shoulder if their hands are occupied in doing other tasks. This project was featured in the Design Engineering magazine, June 2002.
BounceFly - Designed with Alex Tam and Robert Barlow-busch, BounceFly is a pneumatic diving board that uses the energy collected from the trampoline jumping to give the user a thrilling ride into the air and into the water. This design won the "Runner-Ups" category at the Popular Science magazine and CORE77 design competition. With the theme "Human Powered", the competition challenges designers to explore novel opportunities for harnessing human power. For more details about BounceFly or other winning designs, click here. We have received many inquiries about the product since its appearance in the Popular Science Magazine in January 2004. We are currently working on a functional prototype and evaluating opportunities to commercialize the design.
Davis Center Information Commons - Interior concept visuals developed in collaboration with architect Helena Vamberger for the Davis Centre Information Commons at the University of Waterloo. Design considerations for the space include: acoustics, traffic flow, lighting, user requirement, and information integration. The images overlay the existing building environment with the new design elements to present conceptual visions for several key functional areas of the information commons: entrance, help desk, computer work stations, and multimedia room.
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