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Unpopular opinion: I thought the 'wearable tech' thing was just a gimmick for a long time.
I saw a designer at a show in Austin last year who had woven fiber optic threads into a jacket that changed color patterns based on sound. It looked like a party trick. Then I saw a video of their follow-up line, where the same tech was used in a subtle, reflective safety vest for cyclists that lights up when a car gets too close. That changed my mind. Has anyone else seen a practical use for tech fabrics that actually works?
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grace4195mo ago
What about using that kind of tech for people who work alone at night? Like a vest for road crews or security guards that could send a bright light signal to a central office if someone falls or gets hurt. It seems like the jump from a party trick to something that keeps people safe is where it gets real.
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simonmoore3mo ago
I was kinda on the other side of this before, thinking it was just another gimmick for parties. But you're totally right - that shift from novelty to safety gear is where it actually matters, especially for folks working nights alone.
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miller.jason5mo ago
Yeah that jump from party trick to keeping people safe is the whole thing. I mean it's like we get all these shiny gadgets first, and the real use comes later when someone thinks to strap it to a vest. It happens with everything, like phones started for calls and now my dad's has a fall detector. Makes you wonder what else is out there just waiting for someone to point it at a real problem.
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