[CSC318] - Preliminary Proposal

The Red String Project

I am interested in pursuing a project that would cater to individuals with short-term and long-term memory problems.  This would include a wide range of memory-related conditions ranging from mere forgetfulness to moderate dementia.  My project concept would involve a combination of a wearable technology memory-aid, and a mobile application that would be utilized in conjunction with the wearable technology. This project aims to aid clients with attending to every-day activities, as well as important engagements.

Memory problems are not only a consequence of old age and disease; they are attributed to poor diets, stress, anxiety, and depression. Today’s generation (arguably) has a more chaotic, frenzied pace of living, relative to past generations. Given these living conditions, many people find themselves experiencing bouts of forgetfulness.  Unfortunately, forgetting appointments and important events can lead to further anxiety, and make it difficult to attend to high-priority tasks. When one experiences anxiety due to their own forgetfulness, this can unfortunately lead to decreased productivity and increased stress. The Red String Project aims to assist individuals in day-to-day living for a wide consumer base.

The inspiration behind this project is the symbolic red string. While red strings are widely associated with the East Asian belief that individuals are tied to their destined partners by an invisible red string; they are also attributed to an age-old tradition of tying a string around one’s index finger in order to remember to perform a task.  This symbolism will be the trademark symbol of the Red String Project. Since the red string is widely associated as a physical memory-aid, as well as a symbolism for soul mates, the wearable technology will incorporate a red string into its design. The Red String will be the wearer’s electronic buddy: a life-aid and memory-aid.

 For those who are unabashed about momentary bouts of forgetfulness, the Red String (RS) Ring will act as a conversation starter and aesthetic tech accessory. Due to the limitations of current technology, the ring will be used in conjunction with a smart phone application to deliver vibrating reminders. While phones can be misplaced or forgotten, the waterproof RS Ring+ is always at hand. For those who prefer subtlety, the application can be tied in with existing Smart Watches that have a more anonymous design, or the plain band RS Ring*.

My proposed project would have a variety of applications including, but not limited to:

-       Alerting you to charge your phone/ring accessory/smart watch

-       Alerting you to pick up your charged RS devices

-       Appointment alarms

-       Reminders (Including: reminders targeted to those with dementia – today's date, location, an emergency contact number, a consoling note to not panic)

-       Alerting you when you have strayed too far from your phone

-       Alerting you to turn off heated appliances