layer presents worldbeing, a carbon tracking wearable for the world

layer presents worldbeing, a carbon tracking wearable for the world
all images courtesy of layer design

‘there has never been a better time to use design as a tool to create meaningful conversation around our personal responsibility in making changes to our lifestyle to stop global warming. we desperately need a platform that helps the world to understand what our personal carbon footprint is, and why we should be decreasing it.‘ says benjamin hubert, founder of layer design studio and creator of ‘worldbeing’.

wearable and app

‘worldbeing’ is a wearables concept that utilizes data in social and engaging ways to help individuals reduce their personal carbon footprint. composed of a band and integrated app, ‘worldbeing’ has the potential to increase understanding and stimulate action by intuitively linking — and communicating — daily activities and decisions to their real-life environmental impact.

the app maps data collected by the user and wearable

climate change is an immediately recognizable concept, but even individuals that want to make change don’t really know where to start. how can meaningful action be taken if the citizens of the world have no idea what the consequences of any particular decision are? layer design believes that accountability will be the first global step towards carbon responsibility. they anticipate that restaurants, supermarkets, and other establishments will be mandated to list the environmental details of every product and service they order. carbon will be a listed value on food items, alongside nutritional and other information. it may seem farfetched, but many initiatives are already being implemented.

the EU environmental footprint initiative is in the testing phase for product environmental footprint data. governments around the world are committing increasingly to lower carbon emissions, and eventually phasing out the use of fossil fuels entirely; and countless more programs are in varying stages of action.

monitor your carbon footprint 

as a wearable, ‘worldbeing’ is a call to action. it can track every decision — from food, to clothes, to travel — and map a user’s individual usage. thus, they will be able to better understand the impact of their lives, and make informed decisions for the wellbeing of our world. ‘worldbeing’ provides awareness throughout the day by notifying people of their accomplishments, rewards, and community engagements.

‘worldbeing’ in carbon 

the wristband is made from recycled e-waste, which the world currently produces 20 to 50 million tons of per year. an E-ink display was chosen for its ultra-low power consumption, and charging is done by a small stand that is 60% more efficient than induction-based devices. the wearable is connected to a smartphone or tablet app that enables access to more detailed information and data patterns.

pick up the wearable from its stand 

layer understands the power of numbers in motivating and driving change. results of ‘worldbeing’ can be shared via social media channels to inspire active engagement and involvement by the larger community. the concept is the first step in making ‘worldbeing’ a reality. a crowdsourcing campaign through thunderclap is now active, here. 

low power e-ink screen

high efficiency occurs through direct charging

graphs 

users can create personal goals, and challenge friends to specific tasks and accomplishments 

‘worldbeing’ app and wearable  

benjamin hubert, founder of layer design 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom