wearable TZOA enviro-tracker reconnects people to their surroundings

wearable TZOA enviro-tracker reconnects people to their surroundings
images courtesy of TZOA

the ‘TZOA’ enviro-tracker created by product designers at woke studio, is a smart wearable device that monitors the environment and delivers real-time air quality and UV metrics. it aims to reconnect people with their surroundings and also empowers them to improve both their understanding of it and their healthy habits. the new technology offers a more immersive solution to the usual expensive and complex instruments that measure radiation and pollution. by attaching to clothes, shoes and bags, the smallest optical particle counter builds a city-wide map for air quality and makes all data more palatable in the accompanying smartphone app.

‘the challenge was to make a very immaterial thing like air feel more tangible and engaging, interesting and approachable to consumers’ says afshin mehin, founder of woke studios, product designers of TZOA. ‘we designed a wearable device and app that could enable people to see their environment in a new way and treat the air as a more precious resource. the language of preciousness was also a perfect way to create an object that feels like jewelry or a fashion accessory that you’re proud to wear.’

the front and rear view of the product

styled like jewelry, the front of the ‘TZOA’ has an interchangeable detail crafted from copper or steel in order to fit in with the other clothing items. the device highlights clean and dirty areas in real-time so can help users plan cycling routes, warn people when pollen levels increase and suggest a change of scenery when air quality is low. all this is displayed on the application that can also send notifications to deliver detailed break-downs of the current environment and action tips. the ‘TZOA’ is currently seeking funding via their kickstarter campaign in order to offer the first enviro-tracker wearable to the market.

a data map is collected to show and suggest clean areas for outdoor activity

the data unites users in these areas to form an updating map

the device is styled to be worn on clothes, bags and shoes