Preventing Prolonged Sitting
I propose our employers play a larger role in encouraging us towards better health. Our good health means increased productivity and a more positive work place. For example you work in a building where you are required to scan an identification badge each time you enter. This card is something you must have with you at all times during the workweek. What if the badge was something that provided feedback with some useful information about us — an artifact that held more personal value? What if a health monitor was incorporated into the typical identification badge?
Like the belt prototype, I propose to include an alarm in the ID badge/health monitor to remind employees to be active periodically throughout the workday. Of course this is not intended to negatively influence productivity in the work place, but to actually speed it up.
With the use of a probe which houses an Arduino Nano, a vibration motor, and a step counter, I asked a few participants to wear this probe, which actuated every half hour. Once the alarm was sounded, the participants executed a specified exercise or stretch. In order to allow for a quick reference on what a participant should do once the reminder sounds, an instruction booklet was included with the probe. The booklet was created so an employee would not spend any time thinking or searching the web for something to do. It illustrated traditional exercises and stretches to see if that type of behavior was welcome in the office environment.
Insights from User-Testing
“The anticipation of the buzz made me hurry my work”
– Jennifer Rattin, Apparel Designer
“The device helped me keep a pace to my day”
– Cynthia Hamilton, Fashion Designer
The Smart Identification Badge
Feels-Like Model
Display Interaction
