iseeu

A wearable that enforces social distancing between two people.

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

in a time of social isolation, i did everything i could to see you again.

I created something for the two of us.

To keep us safe and protect what we have.

Designing of iseeu

Utilizing one-way mirror technology, a distance sensor, and LEDs, I created a set of wearable boxes that would allow two people to see each other as long as they kept their distance.

When the two participants wearing the boxes come within 6 feet of each other, an internal lighting system is activated that restricts the wearer’s vision outside of the box. They become isolated within the space of the box, staring at their own reflection until they can maintain a safe distance from their partner.

Once left alone inside the box, the wearer’s senses are heightened as they try to navigate an unknown space. The box becomes the one enforcing the 6 ft social distancing guideline. The internal lighting system deactivates when a distance of at least 6 feet is maintained between the two participants.

One-way mirror appears reflective on one side while the other side appears transparent. The side of the mirror that is brightly lit appears reflective while the darkened side acts as a window.
In iseeu, each wearable box has a glass sheet lined with one-way mirror film and an internal lighting system. These two components work together to control what the participant sees.
When a participant is less than 6 feet away from their partner or vice versa, the internal lighting system is activated, and the lights inside of the box turn on. When the lights inside the box are on, the side of the one-way mirror facing the participant is reflective while the other side facing outwards appears transparent (acting as a window into the box for everyone outside).
An iseeu participant is only able to see outside the box when they maintain a distance of at least 6 feet away from their partner.

“When the light turns on, it feels as though everything outside quiets…and everything inside becomes amplified.”

from the artist.

I created iseeu with the idea of two people in mind. These two desperately want to see each other, but are kept at a distance for their own safety and the safety of us all. I speculated about a world in which we’d all wear these boxes. We would continue to love each other from a distance, saddened by the fact that we couldn’t touch each other.

I created this work in isolation. The more time that I spent on this project, the more I felt like it was an exploration of loneliness through self-reflection. Wearing the box forces you to pause and question what makes you feel lonely. When the light turns on, it feels as though everything outside quiets…but everything inside becomes amplified. How comfortable are you with yourself? When you’re suddenly left looking at your reflection, do you like what you see?

SPECIFICATIONS

ISEEU. 2020. INTERACTIVE WEARABLES.

CREATED WITH: CARDBOARD, PAINT, GLASS SHEET, TAPE, LED STRIP, ARDUINO, BATTERY, MIRROR FILM, ULTRASONIC SENSOR