Connecting with the natural environment is an experience significant to the well being of both the individual as well as the community. Sustainable tourism is one of the most rapidly growing markets confirming that people will go to great measures to ensure a pleasurable and satisfying experience in the natural environment. What makes these travels meaningful is a contrast from the everyday; a physical, intellectual, and spiritual stimulation. There is also a particularly strong desire to capture those moments whether it is for sharing with others, creating a personal history or creative expression. However, current recording devices do not take into consideration the apparent need for the technology to reflect visually dominant thought patterns. Another common frustration with capturing our travel experiences is the number of devices one needs, as well as the time and energy it takes to manage the content. These insights, often overlooked by producers, can lead to the products' premature end life which then contributes to the accumulating e-waste world wide.
evo is a personal recording device which can be worn as a pendant or pocket watch. An intuitive interface provides contextual information: location, direction, time, atmospheric pressure. It also captures still and moving pictures with audio and is designed to take with you on your travels. A GPS receiver enables the recorded files to be referenced with geographic information so, not only is the information valuable at the time of experience, but opens up wonderful possibilities for re-experiencing the personal media in a dynamic map based software environment upon return.
The pull string energy harvester which connects to the recorder enables autonomy and self reliance; an application ideal for use on remote camping trips and other adventurous situations where conventional power sources are not accessible.
An understanding and consideration other wide range of environments and activities within those plays a key role in determining manufacturing processes and technological components:
- formed anodized aluminium casing was chosen for its light weight, protective and scratch resistant qualities
- a series of 'O' rings seals the two shells together ensuring water resistance and offering soft tactile qualities
- a CMOS photosensor combines the image quality of CCD technology with compact size, adaptability and energy efficiency
- a polyled (polymer light emitting diode) display offers high brightness, high contrast, and a fast response time suitable for displaying video
- minimal moving parts for longevity and durability
