Bharatanatyam is an old Indian classical dance.(Bha - Bhaav - Expression, Ra - Raag - Music, Ta - Taal - Rhythm, Natyam - Dance/Play).
3 sub-divisions - Technical, Storytelling, Technical + Storytelling (my device will focus primarily on the storytelling part).
With the advent of short form dance videos on apps like - Tiktok and Instagram. People have lost interest in Indian classical dance forms.
Many are quick to dismiss these dances as boring but it's often because we can't feel and understand the intricate stories.
Why is it important?
What is Bharatanatyam?
What problem does my wearable device solve?
apologue I
Thesis
Connection is a wearable prosthetic that helps Bharatanatyam dancers connect with their audience while also adding an exciting new layer to the dance. The audience wearable makes use of Peltier tiles to translate emotions/stories onto a temperature spectrum to make the audience feel the story rather than simply telling them story.
Precedents
Dance:Bharatanatyam
+
Wearables:
Sketches (and Initial Prototypes)
Case Study Storyline
Case Study Storyline (Continued)
Case Study: Detailed Analysis
Happy -
Uncomfortable -
Shocked -
Scared, Shocked and Confused -
Angry -
Peace -
2D Abstraction Sketches
Scene Breakdown (1:21-1:50)
Further Sketch Models
Dancer(s) Wearable
Audience Wearable
Main Takeaways -
Keep the dancer at the core! (This feedback was especially important as I navigated through the design process)
If the dancer wears a wearable it'll hide their beautiful attire. This conversation prompted the idea for having only an audience wearable
Aathy's organisation - Roots could be a good organisation to collaborate with and make the best version of this project!
Mrs. Rhea Ranavat
Mrs. Radha Kotwal
Mrs. Aarthy Sundar
Ms. Jainee Shah
Design Research Interviews
Thermal Sensitivity map of the body
Arm Wearable
Back Wearable
Sketch (Sleeve)
Prototype
Sketch
Prototype
Symbols/Patterns
Cross-section
More Sketch models and small-scale prototypes
Neck Wearable Sketch
Neck Wearable Prototype
Final Design (Process + Testing)
Input and Output Diagram
Peltier Tile Testing (for the scene)
Pattern Making
Glue Gun + Spray Paint
3D Outliners
Feedback - My Mother had a child like expression of wonder
Connection is a wearable prosthetic that helps Bharatanatyam dancers connect with their audience while also adding an exciting new layer to the dance. The audience wearable makes use of Peltier tiles to translate emotions/stories onto a temperature spectrum to make the audience feel the story rather than simply telling them story.
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