On a clear plastic wrist watch display is an accessibility device with a unique mode if aiding navigation. It is worn on the wrist and provides tactile feedback to its wearer instead of the traditional graphics and audio provided by GPS systems. This is achieved through patterns of vibration. The device takes the shape of a band and is in an all black color. It has a mesh chain for its strap. It is similar to a watch in terms of design construction but is replaced with the technological component of the vibrating device instead of the face of a wristwatch. It is made out of resin, steel, and plastic.

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See more objects with the tag digital, mobility, navigation, blind, assistive device, guidance, vibrating, GPS, sport, low vision, haptic.

Object Timeline

	We acquired this object.
1970	We photographed this object.
2017	We exhibited this object. Work on this object began.
2018	We photographed this object.
2024	You found it!

Wayband

This is a Wayband. It was designed by WearWorks and Yangyang Wang.

This object is not part of the Cooper Hewitt's permanent collection. It was able to spend time at the museum on loan from WearWorks as part of Access+Ability.

It is dated 2017. Its medium is resin, steel, pla.

While most mapping and global positioning systems (GPS) deliver information through graphics or voice, Wayband gives tactile feedback. When paired with a smartphone navigational app, it guides the wearer to their destination by emitting patterns of vibrations instead of oral cues. Transmitting directions through pulses frees the user to hear other external sound cues, such as traffic or conversation. A sport version of Wayband was worn by blind ultramarathoner, Simon Wheatcroft, in the 2017 NYC Marathon.

It is credited Courtesy of WearWorks.