January Update: Collective Research and Development of the Software and Hardware Component

By: Cindy Joyette

The BCDI InvenTeam is creating a wearable device that will log location, video, and audio when activated by the user. We are focusing on raising awareness about sexual harassment and supporting the users as they take control of their surroundings.

December Recap: We focused on refining our project description to reflect key points of this invention.

• Updated Hardware Description: We are going to make a bracelet with an indented button that can communicate with a mobile app. When the user experiences catcalling, groping, stalking, someone exposing themselves, being pressured into sexual acts, or other sexual harassment, they can activate the bracelet with specific gestures depending on the severity of the incident. The bracelet will then record geographic location, time of day, audio, and video.
• Updated Software Description: When the incident is over, the user will end recording and the phone app will guide the user through a series of questions to determine what their next steps should be (i.e. notify the police, contact a social worker, notify their principal, etc.) depending on the context and severity of the incident. The data we collect can be used to create a crowdsourced map of sexual harassment to inform and build a sense of safety wherever the user goes.

January Recap:

• Individually sketched wireframes for the software component. In our follow-up, we shared our sketches while encouraging feedback. To narrow down our product focus, we kept in mind other concerns such as the legal aspect of one's privacy, the costs and time management.
• The team scheduled a meetup after the winter break (January 2, 2020) to discuss refining the looks of the hardware component. By screening ideas and presenting sketches to each other, we were able to give constructive criticism on the features of the invention and narrow down what raw materials work best for development. We then got feedback and gained insight on our wireframes from someone who specializes in web-design.
• BCDI team ordered micro-electronics so we could start testing different features of the device and improve on our coding skills. We started coding key features of the wearable invention, which included the bluetooth, camera, and audio recordings. The team analyzed code and designed digital wireframes for the app.