Effects of Functionality on Perceived Comfort of Wearables

This paper presents results from a study examining the link between the functionality and the comfort of wearable computers. We gave participants two different devices to wear and varied our descriptions of device functionality. Significant differences in desirability and comfort ratings were found between functional conditions, indicating that functionality is a factor of comfort. Differences were also found between device locations (upper arm and upper/mid back) and participant gender. Keywords Comfort, physical comfort, social comfort, comfort rating scales, wearable computers, functionality, desirability

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2003
• Where: ISWC
• Authors: Kerry Bodine, Francine Gemperle
• Keywords: Comfort Rating, Comfort Rating Scales, ISWC 2003, Wearable Computers