For this assignment, we worked with a project partner to design two wearable masks that enhance the user’s senses using sensors. We experimented with their functionality by applying sensor technology to expand perception.
Our masks are inspired by the mating dance of birds. The wearer’s heartbeat is linked to the mask through technology, causing the feathers to move in sync with their pulse. In this way, users can perceive each other’s reactions, creating an intimate and shared experience. We paired this concept with a speed-dating setup, allowing people to connect in a playful and engaging way.
The Process
We experimented and created prototypes of the mechanisms we wanted to incorporate into our masks. The masks needed to be comfortable for the wearer, and we also paid attention to user interaction and first impressions. Developing the technology was mainly a process of trial and error. We continually adjusted based on what worked and what didn’t, balancing both the technical and aesthetic aspects of the design.
Final Product
For the final product, we designed both a male and a female mask. The wearers attach a heart rate sensor to their ear, which measures their heartbeat. They then pick a card with various questions to get to know the other person better. The unexpected movements of the feathers on the masks create moments of laughter, making the experience fun and playful. These spontaneous reactions spark a lighthearted interaction between the wearers, helping the conversation flow in a unique way. By linking the heartbeat to the movement of the feathers, the masks create a visual and emotional connection making the experience more intimate and memorable.
SenCity
We had the opportunity to showcase our project at the Sencity Festival in Utrecht. This festival stimulates all the senses and attracts many deaf visitors in particular. People could not only view our project but also taste, test, and directly experience how it alters sensory perception. It was a unique opportunity to see how our design interacts with different senses and contributes to a new way of experiencing communication.
Made in collaboration with Newo Chandith