10 finalists to reinvent the hat in element14 design challenge
element14 and Adafruit have announced the finalists in its ‘Hats Off’ global design challenge.
Participants will re-imagine the hat into new wearable technology solutions using the Adafruit Gemma and an accompanying accessory pack. The Adafruit Gemma is a tiny Arduino-compatible sewable microcontroller capable of lighting up a constellation of LEDs based on simple sensors and actions. Competitors will develop hat-like garments that provide functionality beyond shielding the wearer from sun or rain.
“Our intent with this challenge was to encourage people to create wearable technology devices offering real-world solutions,” said , element14 Global Head of Community Dianne Kibbey.
Submissions came from countries spanning the globe. The finalists, as well as their countries of origin and proposed builds, are as follows:
- Miles Flavel (Australia) - jack-in-the-box style top hat featuring a doll that tips its hat with the push of a button
- Todd Cowley (US) - light-up Iron man helmet
- Tyler Crumpton (US) - extra-sensory case cap
- Gladys Delgado-Garced (US) - matching dog and owner umbrella hats with directional capability
- Barbara Eldredge (US) - jaunty fascinator that changes colour and intensity based on the wearer’s amount of movement
- Lori Griffiths (US) - electronic Mardi Gras hat
- Reed Morse (US) - furry hood with animated eyes
- Carl Penny (Canada) - modified sci-fi gas mask
- Claire Price (United Kingdom) - electronic Easter bonnet
- Lourens Smit (South Africa) - hat to provide visibility in dark environments and animate in social situations
Along with the Adafruit GEMMA, the finalists will be provided with the following:
- Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger - v1
- Lithium-ion polymer battery - 3.7 V 500 mAh
- Four Flora RGB NeoPixels V2
- Stainless thin conductive thread - 2 ply - 25 m/85 ft
- Photo cell (CdS photo-resistor)
- Small alligator clip test lead (set of 12)
- GEMMA miniature wearable electronic platform
- USB cable - A/MiniB - 3ft
- Tactile on/off switch with leads
- Fast vibration sensor switch
- Small enclosed piezo w/Wires
The competition will conclude 31 October 2014. Competitors will be judged on their creativity, quality of documentation and the execution of their project. The grand prize winner will receive an Oculus Rift from element14 and one complete Flora Collection parts pack from Adafruit.
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