Journal of Student Research 2019

Journal of Student Research

157 Wearable Technology and Its Benefits in Urban Settings pollution or illness, made them feel uncomfortable. This also was true when asked if other forms of face coverings were deemed strange in public spaces. Existing clothing accessories such as scarves and jackets with high collars were brought up as alternate solutions to integrate a face mask. Conclusion and Future Study This research study concludes that many individuals are worried about pollution, but there have not been any concrete reasons for commuters to be concerned. It is not affecting them at the levels deemed dangerous by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to McCarthy (2015), a Forbes journalist, anything over 10 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5 is considered hazardous. McCarthy states that Bakerfield, California is United States’ highest concentration of PM2.5, with a of level 18.2. He goes to compare this to a city in China with the highest concentration of PM2.5 which is at a level of 155.2. Studies like these give Americans the confidence to not wear facemasks if they don’t want to, and at the same time the consciousness that pollution is present. It was also concluded that commuters preferred wearable technology as it immediately notify them without having to utilize their mobile devices. For example, they stated that smart watches helped them keep track of their steps and it is something that they could just put on and not think about it. This study brings awareness to the eventuality that air pollution in the U.S. could potentially become as troublesome as other countries such as China. This is the focus of the research since the current issues are at the intersection of good design and social utility. It is evident that commuters in the U.S. want to remain inconspicuous as possible when it comes to protecting themselves from pollution. If it is not deemed necessary by a medical professional for a user’s health, then there is no use for wearing a face mask in public. Interviews showed that commuters wanted a multipurpose functional face covering with a main purpose for protecting against the cold. They stated that a face covering used for combating pollution would be secondary and merely just a benefit of cold proof clothing. In summary, product exploration will combine both form and function and seek to solve a number of issues including affordability, reusability, and social acceptance. The graphical user interface (GUI) will ultimately define the user experience with such a product like this. Information such as pollution levels and indicators showing how commuters are being protected are reasons why they tend to gravitate towards wearable technology. People love seeing statistics on their own health and wellness and a properly designed GUI will make this experience more personable. There is a way to achieve environmental and cultural design goals that are responsible, respectful, and sensitive to the needs of affected populations. Design

156

After reviewing this data, it was clear that commuters were concerned about pollution more than expected. That global warming and pollution go hand in hand when it comes to air quality. Existing products that users brought up consisted of home air purifiers but never anything portable to bring with. Only the commuter with asthma stated that they used their inhaler when they were having trouble breathing. Common items that commuters brought with them on their commutes were water bottles, wallets and keys. When asked about their experiences with breathing in cold weather, some of them stated that they usually cover their bare hands over their nose and mouths and exhale to create warmth. Moving forward with these findings, I want to incorporate a device that helps users with extreme cold weather and how they can warm themselves while keeping them protected from pollution. about pollution but uncertain on how to directly tackle the issue. A comparison of the pollution levels between the U.S. and China was brought up several times in conversation. Out of the 23 people interviewed, only two participants had lived in the eastern hemisphere and had experienced the actual use of facemasks. These two individuals stressed how the cultural difference made such an immense difference in wearing facemasks in public. One individual stated when someone was seen with a cloth facemask, it was more for fashion than it was for protection. Only one individual interviewed was aware that cities with high emissions were given public warnings during hazardous levels of pollution. An individual in particular was given surgical face masks after having gone through a heart transplant procedure. They stated that they had never seen the need for wearing a facemask until their doctors explained why patients with heart transplants were more sensitive to airborne illnesses and pollutants. Uncovering what commuters encountered on a daily basis was extremely beneficial in identifying a device that would fit into their lifestyle. Commuters who traveled to work in the city stressed how much they relied on their mobile devices to check for emails, appointments, or to just listen to music. One even stated that it was a nice way to avoid conversation on the subways and maintain privacy in public. Ear buds were also identified as a very common item that most participants mentioned not being able to leave the house without. They noted the ability to listen to navigation from their mobile devices and also have private phone conversations while keeping their eyes on the road. Many of the roadblocks to wearing facemasks brought up were the social stigma of maintaining privacy in public spaces. For example, one individual felt it was “weird” to wear a face mask in public because they would get uncomfortable stares. Anything that was protecting them from an issue, such as Findings / Discussion During the interviews, it was evident that most individuals were concerned

Table of Contents

Table of Contents