The Challenges of Wearable Computing: Part 1

Wearable computing can describe a broad range of devices and concepts. At the time of this writing, wearables are generally equated with head-up, wearable displays; onehanded keyboards; and custom computers worn in satchels or belt packs. Figures 1 through 4 show members of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Wearable Computing Project with some of their wearable devices. Unfortunately, the public often characterizes the field by its gadgetry instead of its goals. Ideally, wearable computing can be described as the pursuit of a style of interface as opposed to a manifestation in hardware. This article develops goals and challenges for wearable computing, and promotes discussion in design techniques by suggesting methods, albeit sometimes fanciful, of addressing these challenges.