BuzzWear: Alert Perception in Wearable Tactile Displays on the Wrist

This paper, presented at CHI in 2010, has to do with feedback by a wrist worn wearable tactile displays (WTDs). The paper presents the results of a study testing the ability of subjects to perceive tactile alerts, even while distracted. The study was conducted in two major parts. One being perception of feedback without any distractions. The other being perception of feedback with distractions. In both cases, the users of the WTDs were given time to learn the different feedback patterns. 

The results of this testing showed that even while distracted a person is capable of reacting very quickly and accurately to tactile feedback. Of the four criteria that made up the different feedbacks (point of origin, direction, intensity, and temporal pattern), the most difficult for most users to discern was intensity and the easiest was the temporal pattern. The study showed that even when faced with visual distraction, reaction time to WTDs was not slowed.

In conclusion, this means that WTDs would likely make very good means for alerting individuals in any situation.

Speakers

The speakers I use in my room are a set of Altec Lansing speakers. They are very good for their size (about 8in x 4in x 4in). The speakers are conical shaped with a wide base which houses the bass. This set up is a great space saver. However this means that the output from the bass is directed down, not out into the room. Despite this, the speakers still manage to put out quite a lot of sound.

Another nice feature of these speakers is that they come as a pair of two. These two speakers are connected by a six foot long wire which means they can be spread apart to give more of a surrond sound feel to the room. And since the speakers' controls are located on the housing of one of the two, this means that only one speaker needs to be in a relatively reachable position.

Ipod Touch

The Ipod touch is a product with good design. It's slim size and light weight allows a person to easily carry the touch in his or her pocket. The touch screen controls are very smooth and self-explanatory. Despite no visible signs for how to use the controls, they are simple figure out and very intuitive.

In general, the touch is a very intuitive mp3 player. Because of its simplicity, it is easy to use. Despite being simple, the touch is capable of running useful apps and handling many small tasks. It's small size, simplicity, and ability to do many tasks makes it a very well designed product.