A wearable folding display for self-expression

This paper proposes the design rationale of a wearable display that is able to convey the behavioral typology of its wearers by merging insights from wearable computing, aesthetic visualization, and electronic fashion. This display acts as an electronically enhanced and dynamically changing form of self-expression, which can be integrated with daily clothing. The data mapping approach is based on historical behavior data retrieved via built-in accelerometer, microphone and infrared sensors. By aesthetical encrypting this personal data, the actual meaning of the display can only be interpreted by people that are intrinsically motivated to learn it, and have had a long-term exposure to it. Conceptually, the display is based on the dynamic folding of consecutive layers of fabric, which creates emergent visual patterns that subtly change over time. A first prototype has been implemented which will ultimately lead to a deployment of several interconnected devices in a real social context, to evaluate its social acceptance and its effectiveness in augmenting human self-expression and promoting social networking.