FiiWA provides a novel platform for the creation and play of physical games and sports. FiiWA is designed specifically for the needs of the blind and visually impaired (VI)* community. It finds itself at the intersection between wearable hardware systems design, social entrepreneurship, and games & education.
FiiWA won Best In Fest at Come Out & Play 2012 in NYC.
FiiWA was mentioned in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue of Form Magazine.
FiiWA was awarded First Place at the Kolner Design Preis in 2008 and was then exhibited at the Museum of Applied Arts Cologne. Designspotter captured the event on video here.
FiiWA won Best In Fest at Come Out & Play 2012 in NYC.
FiiWA was mentioned in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue of Form Magazine.
FiiWA was awarded First Place at the Kolner Design Preis in 2008 and was then exhibited at the Museum of Applied Arts Cologne. Designspotter captured the event on video here.
At the heart of FiiWA is a line of wearable, technologically enhanced modular gaming equipment. The equipment translates a myriad of sensor data into aural and vibrotactile feedback whereby it opens unchartered game spaces.
FiiWA is meant to not only be played with a set of professionally designed games, but provides users with the means to become creators themselves. Users are given the tools to educate themselves in the field of game design and tailor the games they wish to play to their own specific needs and skill levels.
The ball “knows” about its movements in space at all times and informs users about its movement through sound and light feedback. The volume is adjustable and can be made loud enough to facilitate play in both indoor and outdoor environments with vocal participation from both the players and onlookers.
The goal allows player to place a stationary target in their games. In order to prevent interference by wandering hands, the goal is designed to only set off if hit with the ball.
Easy to slip on and quickly tighten to one’s arm, the armbands help users take control of the ball. The ball sticks to the band’s inner arm panel for a moment, making catching and manipulating the ball easier, but not trivial.
The vest’s main purpose is to prevent players from colliding with an object or person. Beyond collision prevention, the vest also enables fast unassisted movement through the playing-field making complex strategic play possible. In order to accomplish these feats the vest scans its environment with various sensors. It then informs players about the data it has gathered through haptic and–to a limited extent–aural feedback. Players know if they are headed in the direction of their goal; if they are near walls, players and other hazards. The recognition of friend and foe allows for quick tactical plays while orientation gets them moving in the right direction immediately.
In 2012, FiiWA took home the award for Best In Fest at the Come Out & Play Festival on Governor's Island in NYC.
