modular || neuroid

modular||neuroid is a wearable, reconfigurable sensor pack and data contextualization system that allows users to collect, share, and understand data using wearable sensors recording environmental conditions such as carbon monoxide, light, noise pollution, and methane gas exposure among others. Users choose what to sense, and then connect with others around the world to share knowledge and experience.

The project consists of two parts, the first being a wearable, modular sensor pack (MSP) that collects GPS, date/time, as well as sensor-specific data that is determined by the user at all times. A specific variable sensor (SVS) is loaded into the bay, and allows the user to “plug and play” with a collection of SVS’s specifically designed to be used with the system. Currently the user can choose from carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), sound (microphone – noise pollution), light (photocells – light exposure), temperature (thermometer), humidity, and alcohol SVS modules. Up to 3 SVS modules may be attached to the MSP at any time.

The second component of the project is software and an online database that allows the user to contextualize and share the data collected, which can then be analyzed and interpreted. Data is written to an SD card, using custom software that I am developing in OpenFrameworks, the user will upload all the data to a MySQL database. Finally, a website will contextualize this in terms of time, location and data, using maps, graphs and visualizations.

Most importantly, users will be able to connect to each other through scientific (medical, environmental, research networks) as well as an online social network, and compare exposure levels from individuals around the world.

This modular sensing system which contextualizes data from multiple individuals in multiple environmental circumstances, temporally and geographically will nurture an understanding of lifestyles, and lead to communal sharing of knowledge about each other and our physical world. Tips, information, and raw data can be shared through research and social communities built surrounding the modular//neuroid system. All data and process will be released under and open source license, so that anyone can participate by downloading data and using it any way they see fit. Or, hopefully, construct their own Neuroid and become part of the collection community.

The core objective for M//N is to quantify and contextualize, temporally and geographically, exposure to specific measurable environmental variables, in a way that allows analysis and interpretation at an individual, as well as specific human group level, in order to further the understanding of the effects of these variables on our bodies and lives as a whole.

Gaining a deeper understanding of how where we live, work and play is important in making improvements to our environment, our health, and our community. By bringing M//N to the global scale, we can learn to relate to each other the different ways we live, and ultimately improve and grow in an individually and societally responsible way.

M//N is a thesis project by Joe Saavedra, as part of the Masters in Fine Arts program in Design and Technology at Parsons the New School for Design, expected in 2010.