The future of fashion & human gesture control : exploration of a wearable communication device for sign language speakers

Abstract

This thesis is a design research project which began as an exploration of how to leverage clothing to further enhance capabilities and human computer interaction. While on this journey, this objective evolved with the help of continuous refinement of three key frames of reference; the experience of people with hearing impairments in India, the intersection of fashion and technology, and the concept of universal design. The purpose of this research was to uncover the needs of a communication system to translate sign language through the case study of people who need to translate spoken languages discreetly. The latent need for the people with hearing loss provided the framework for further study communication between spoken languages which could result in benefiting a broader audience. Wearables allow users to communicate without interruption and have become a pervasive fashion statement with over 526 million connected wearable devices. Gesture control technology sensors including EMG sensors, accelerometers, cameras, flex sensors, etc. can detect a range of gestures through their sensing elements. Each sensor has the potential to meet the needs uncovered in this thesis, but they also have limited capabilities. This thesis provides the requirements of a wearable gesture controlled translation solution for the context of people with hearing loss in India using humanistic co-design (human centered design+) methodology. It also addresses the ethical implications of a solution and the potential for erasure of deaf culture as well as the potential to create purpose, job opportunities and to increase the quality of life for people with hearing loss.