1. DESMA 9
Art + Science + Technology
Spring 2012
Professor Victoria Vesna
Section 1E
Title:
Smart Pearls
Name: Megan McNamara
2. ABSTRACT
These tiny, computerized pearl earrings draw
information from a number of external sources to
choose the perfect outfit for the user’s given day. The
earrings are connected to the user’s emotions,
iCalendar, the current outdoor temperature, and
today’s current trends in order to devise the perfect
outfit. This invention will drastically cut down the time
a woman takes in choosing what to wear every day.
By simply putting these earrings on, 15 seconds later
an image will appear on the user’s computer of a
strategically chosen outfit from their very own
wardrobe.
3. CONCEPT / TOPIC
Specifically, I am interested in combining the two cultures of
science and art into a practical device all women can use.
The science side of this idea would involve robotics and
technology to create a functioning product, and art to have
something culturally and visually appealing. Women waste
valuable time every single day when choosing what to wear.
Oftentimes woman are late to work or meetings because
they took too long trying to decide what to wear. On the
other hand, women will sometimes under or over-estimate
the outdoor temperature, to later realize that they are poorly
dressed for the cold or heat. Without thinking, a woman
might wear her highest heels for work, but forgetting that she
has to run errands all over the city, resulting in blisters.
These “smart” earrings will prevent this issue, while also
ensuring that the user is wearing something aesthetically
pleasing and suitable for the outside temperature. They are
user friendly, as all one has to do it put the earrings on and
wait 15 short seconds.
4. CONTEXT & PRECEDENTS
It is a common issue that women cannot decide what to wear in the
morning. This can make them late, and waste valuable time. A Daily
Mail study discovered that women spend five months of their working
lives picking outfits, and the average woman spends 90 minutes a
week choosing what to wear. In a study of 2491 women, it was shown
that it takes the average woman sixteen minutes on a weekday
morning and twenty minutes for a night out. What a woman wears can
have a direct effect on anxiety levels, because it not only affects how
others perceive you but also how you perceive yourself. Oftentimes
women will put something on in the morning and later regret it, which
instantly affects their mood. This is commonly referred to as “outfit
regret.” If you don’t like the way you look then you will feel more self
conscious, therefore having bad, negative emotions. The “Smart
Pearl” is a perfect solution to all of these problems.
5. PROJECT PROPOSAL
This product is inspired by the computerized system shown in the movie “Clueless.” The
“Smart Pearl” earrings have tiny sensors that transmit waves to the user’s brain to sense
their mood and energy. They have tiny thermometers inside to check the outdoor
temperature, as well as tiny patches on the silver to check the user’s body temperature.
The earrings also have a wireless connection with a database that is updated daily on
today’s fashion trends. The earrings are then synched with the user’s iCal.
Specifically, on a day the user is sad or emotional, the earrings will know to dress them
in something soft and comfortable. On a day that the user is happy and energetic, the
earrings will lean toward something more tight and bright. By matching with the users
specific mood, the outfit chosen will hopefully enhance a good mood or ease a bad mood.
Transmitter
sending
radiowaves to
a receiver
Clueless
Computerized
System (1995)
6. The earrings will then sense the temperature outside in order to know which clothes
are suitable for the weather. The earrings can tell you basic information like that they
will need a light jacket until 11am, then simply a T-shirt will be comfortable.
The earrings also connect to the user’s iCalendar in order to detect what is occurring
on that specific day. On a busy day when they are running errands, the earrings will
know to choose an outfit that is comfortable and durable. On a day that all they have is
a dinner party, it will know to pick out something sexy.
Not only does the Smart Pearl record outside temperatures, but it can also measure
body temperature. Cosinuss has recently created bio-patches connected to an ear
piece that records body temperature which can be wirelessly transmitted or transmitted
via bluetooth. The Smart Pearl will use this same technology inside the silver backings
of the earrings.
Project Proposal (cont.)
7. Finally, the earrings’ database will constantly be scanning through
trending fashion websites, instagram pages, celebrity styles, and
fashion magazines in order to stay up to date on current trends. This
ensures that the earrings not only choose something practical and
efficient, but also trendy. With all of these calculations completed, the
earrings transmit a wireless signal to the user’s laptop. Scientists will
collaborate to create a network in which this information can be quickly
transported. An image will immediately appear of an outfit from the
user’s own wardrobe.
Project Proposal (cont.)
8. Conclusion
In conclusion, women in today’s society have a lot on their plate when
deciding what to wear every day. It is near impossible to quickly choose an
outfit that is suitable for the mood, temperature, occasion, and also fit with the
current trends. These smart earrings will greatly cut down the time a woman
spends staring at her closet and trying on clothes every day. These earrings
simultaneously sift through online trends, the current weather, the user’s
emotions, and the user’s calendar to choose the perfect outfit. They ensure
that the outfit chosen is comfortable, trendy, and practical for the tasks at
hand. The calculations and information will instantaneously be sent wirelessly
or via bluetooth to the computer, where a database will scan through the
individuals clothing items (which must be entered into the data base prior to
use), and then the outfit is selected and displayed. Not only are the earrings
smart, but they also are visually appealing. Pearls have always been a
timeless classic, so they look elegant and classy with any outfit and for any
occasion. The “Clueless” Dress-me game transformed into a fashionable real-
life accessory. The “Smart Pearls” should be a staple in every woman’s
jewellery box.
9. References
1 Anne, Emily."Experts Just Figured Out Why Women Are Always Late. Are You Ready For This?"
Thoughtful Women. Liftable Media, Inc., 13 Nov. 2015. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
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Apr. 2016.
3 "How What You're Wearing Can Affect Your Anxiety." How What You're Wearing Can Affect Your
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4 Reporter, Daily Mail. "Women Spend Five Months of Their Working Lives Picking Outfits: Average
Lady Spends 90 Minutes a Week Choosing What to Wear ." Mail Online. Associated Newspapers, 06
July 2015. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
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