A haptic navigational device that requires only the sense of touch to guide a user. No maps, no text, no arrows, no lights. momo sits in the palm of your two hands and navigates you to an end location by leaning and vibrating. Akin to someone pointing you in the right direction, there is no need to find your map, you simply follow as the device gravitates to your destination.

Personal Statement

We wanted to reinvent navigation to define the emotional experience people have when traversing landscape. Circumventing the map, momo enables the tourist to become literate, empowered in unfamiliar space. Visitors and residents alike can find themselves at play, discover new places, share secrets and meet eachother as they move through the city.

Background:

City populations significantly increase around the world each year, globally redefining the economic and cultural disposition of the planet. momo explores this challenge to design enriching human experience in expanding urban environments.

Audience

Anyone that is willing to play with a new style of navigation.

User Scenario

The possible user scenarios that can come out of this device range from treasure hunts to assistive technology for the blind. Our first test scenario uses preprogrammed GPS coordinates of twelve parks and functions as a tour guide. Detached from the map, users are free to experience the city as they move with ease from one destination to the next at their own leisurely pace.

Implementation

GPS module, digital compass, arduino board, two servo motors, masonite armature, crochet cozy sweater

Precedents:

http://mobiquitous.com/active-belt-e.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6905286.stm http://www.freymartin.de/en/projects/cabboots

Code

Simulation Code | Simulation Demo

Flickr photos

Contact

Che-wei Wang | cwwang@gmail.com
Kristin O'Friel | kristin.ofriel@gmail.com