To elaborate on three previous posts, the idea of deciding on a new product for the IoT has be an exciting, and yet difficult process. After doing some further research on the IoT and combining it with ‘group’ interests, it was now time to produce three concepts and hone in on one specifically for progression. From my previous blog post (click here), it seems that ‘we’, as group, were mutually interested with the industries of; music, travel, recreation and business/service. But how could we come up with a suitable concepts for the IoT. After a great deal of deliberation we chose our ideas; Recycle Mate, Friendly Portable Object: Roger, and GPS Luggage Locators.
RFID Recycling Guru
This idea stemmed from some inspiring literature I read about the word ‘Spime’, a previous post does attempt to explain the notion that is Spime (click here). The author takes your imagination on a small journey in order to explain this concept, using a wine bottle as an example, of which ‘you’ can imagine being that product. The source of this literature is unknown as it was presented to me as part of a lecture, however, the extract can be viewed below and the relevant information is highlighted:-
The concept is geared toward the promotion of being ‘Green’ within the community and reducing a carbon footprint. All products would need to fitted with an RFID tag when being produced. Information about the inanimate object/vessel can then be logged so it has a history. When the product is recycled (disposed of) by the individual, it could have a reward system in place for the participants contribution to the object finding is correct destination. Another point to consider would be that products would have their source of origin and branding, therefore the business could run a collection scheme or be accountable for incorrect disposal.
Friendly Portable Object: Roger
Before reading any further, I shall state that the name was given purely by choice, but upon reflection, it could stand for; Relating to Others General Experiences Robot. The premise for this object was that anonymous members of the community could be accompanied for a certain amount of time (however long they deemed acceptable). Roger would record them, listen to them, and be generally interactive for them. Roger could be left for the next stranger to pick up and use. It was the hope that Roger could then start to create some ‘sense of being’, as everyone’s life was reflected in ‘his’ experience, and this could be viewed online in real-time or as ‘a day in the life of…’ style documentary. The video below demonstrates that this could be an extension of a product developed approximately 2 years prior – Sphero.
(Video Ref: (Youtube.com, 2013) Sphero – Controllable ball)¹
RFID Luggage Information Beacons
The principle behind this idea was not all that dissimilar from that of the recycling concept above. This time, making a suitcase (or piece of luggage) when traveling part of the IoT would be the focus. Whilst on a holiday, it is common practice to write details regarding the objects destination and home address. This is usually displayed in full view of other holiday makers and anyone else within an airport workforce. Is this a safe code of practice? The thoughts of the group were unanimous – ‘probably not’. The RFID Beacon would hold essential details about the owners luggage, and when it stopped tracking with a receiver, will retaining its last known co-ordinates for the user to view online by loging it. An example would be: if luggage was lost by an airline, and not the individual, the suitcase could be tracked. Whilst this concept was incredibly simplistic, after doing some research it appeared that a gap in the marketplace for a streamlined product does exist. RFID tagged luggage has not yet been hugely adopted although some evidence of a similar products existence is apparent.
After reflection over the information presented above, it seemed that although the ideas were of a good caliber they were missing something – a ‘wow’ factor. Some time later, we stumbled across the prospect of a fourth option, one that encompasses; recreation, business, service and music. Other potential benefits will be highlighted in my final blog post regarding future expansion (found here). The idea regarding ‘meeting people’ resonated among the group. This could be loosely linked to the object ‘Roger’, but it needed more substance. With creating an ‘off screen’ experience in mind and greeting others, whilst maintaining a ‘bond’, a situation that encompasses these elements would be a perfect solution, of which one did ensue – Festivals.
Wrist band: Orbital
As you may well be aware, and avid festival enthusiasts would agree, it is the experience you pay for. What better way could there be of retaining a memory/bond from such an experience? Well, we proudly present the concept of the SMART wrist band – ‘Orbital’. Orbital is essentially going to be a network of wrist bands that allows the wearer to keep ‘greetings’ on record. The principle is that when two bands are in very close proximity, they relay/exchange information to one another. Never will the semi-coherent haze that is a typical festival goer’s mindset be hindered by such questions as:-
- Who was that person I met again?
- Where did my ticket go?
- I feel unsafe – I need help from someone?
- Why did this ticket cost me an small fortune?
By taking the above points into consideration, what features does Orbital bring to you as a potential user/customer? Aside from meeting people, it is the hope that it will promote the sale of e-tickets. The user will upload details into the orbital website/app such as; name, a little bio, medical info (ICE) and the e-ticket will be assigned and logged to the wristband. This can then be used for identification by the event holder, security and emergency services as well as other wrist band wearers. The benefit of having the e-ticket stored will hopefully significantly reduce the re-sale of tickets at an inflated price, allow easier identification regarding on-site security, increase efficiency for entry, and lastly, promote mass social interaction though Calm and Ambient technology.
Some research into this product has shown that festival event holders have started to partially adopt this concept, but it is still not a standard code of practice for most. My next post will explain the technological platforms (frameworks) on offer and how they will be used to in the production of this product (click here).
Reference List:-
1) YouTube, (2013) [online] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JMRbev1nvw [accessed on: 27 Oct, 2015]
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