CAN WEARABLES BE WIREABLE?

In this paper, the pros and cons of wiring components in a wearable system (over and above considerations of data transmission and power distribution) are considered. Three aspects of wearable computers will be explored in terms of the impact of, and need for, wiring: (i.) the relationship of the wearable computer to the wearer, particularly in of posture and movement; (ii.) the manner in which a person would interact with the wearable. It will be argued that this interaction is as much to do with the person's interaction with the world around them as it is to do with the computer; (iii.) the manner in which a distributed set of components (both on and off the body) can be mounted on the person. Throughout the discussion, the paper will consider the potential impact of wired and wireless connectivity on the person wearing the device.