Smart Jewelry: Augmenting Traditional Wearable Self-Expression Displays

Abstract

In this paper, we address smart jewelry, with particular focus on the enhancement of traditional jewelry. We chart people's perceptions on smart jewelry through focus group and online survey user studies. We then present and evaluate a necklace design including a prototype mobile augmented reality application. Our salient findings show that the technical concept and visual design should not conflict with the physical form and aesthetic of the jewelry, and that the personal nature and emotional bonding with the jewelry should be reflected also in the digital extensions. Our work progresses the understanding of people's attitudes and preferences towards smart jewelry, and extends the body of research on augmented wearables, which is under-explored but has a great potential for the future.