Mobile

Speck is a smart presence device that allows users to connect with friends and share information.

Using a combination of Active RFID and Bluetooth wireless technologies, Speck will be able to alert you when others are near, and exchange information with other people, both on command and automatically. Users will be able to set custom alerts and data exchange functionality via a computer or wireless Bluetooth-enabled device.

Speck integrates with the existing digital presence of its users by synchronizing with their IM buddy list. Speck is a real world extension of a user’s Instant Messaging presence, taking advantage of these ready-made trust networks.

The goal of Speck is to explore ways of communicating with friends and neighbors using existing trust networks. Ultimately, Speck will encourage more face-to-face communication, allowing users to easily identity and meet up with friends in the neighborhood. Additionally, this device is designed as a streamlined low maintenance convenience for users, an unobtrusive device that allows the user to decide when to use it. Speck’s communication can be asynchronous, alleviating some of the pressures involved in either contacting someone or when interacting with them. Users can save information for others to access at their leisure, and vice versa.

The primary target audiences for Speck had different goals and needs for the device. The tween-aged users wanted customizable ringtones and vibrate alerts as well as form factor modification. The older audience required a simple and easy way to exchange useful and pertinent information while remaining an unobtrusive device or fully integrating with an existing cellphone or PDA. The goal for Speck’s design and functionality was to be used as an accessory, something simple and easy to learn and use. It is designed to be flexible allowing each user to customize the look and services according to their personal taste and needs.