Saji Fernandes

This study explored user preferences regarding an interface design for a wearable thermal garment. A generic interface prototype was created with the criteria of allowing for control of temperature at multiple different heating zones on a heated garment. Visual feedback was incorporated with two LED layouts intended to relay these parameters to the user. Using this prototype, user trials were conducted to assess broader objectives like positioning preferences on the body and visual feedback methods as well as sentiments more specific to the prototype, such as the functionality of capacitive inputs. Trial results indicated that users preferred input controls on the non-dominant arm (either by the bicep or forearm) and visual feedback on one of the forearms, although it was unclear which. Participants indicated a preference for a map LED layout, where color was used to communicate heat setting and the heating zone was communicated via a map of the garment. Specific feedback regarding the prototype included a desire for increased simplicity and little concern with mitigating accidentally initiating commands. Participants were generally in favor of LED implementation and capacitive a capacitive touch slider, and they also expressed a desire for complex functionality, such as having control over multiple heating zones and being able to create heat preference presets.