Making Workshop. Artefact Blogs Collection

Air Quality Bracelet

Tim Chatterton (Air Quality Management Resource Centre, University of the West of England, Bristol), Bastian Beyer (RCA London)

 

What if people could sense the air pollution around them?

Lack of public awareness of air pollution has allowed Government policies and societal activities to increase levels of pollutants over the last two decades. Unlike the smogs of the 1950s, modern air pollution can rarely be seen, and is much more toxic.

By using haptic communication about nearby air quality, this bracelet seeks to make invisible air pollution tangible to the wearer. Whilst providing information that may facilitate health preserving behaviour change at the level of the individual, the broader aim is to stimulate wider understanding of the nature of pollution and create pressure for political and social change.

Download full text [PDF]