Analysis of wearable interface factors for appropriate information notification

This paper explores the emotional and the functional aspects of a new type of wearable notification interface. Three wearable devices with different shape, color and size have been developed: tangible mascot, box-shaped notifier and PDA virtual agent. They have a common function: to assist the user in various situations in everyday life. Likert scale questionnaires have been used to analyze the users´ attitudes and preferences towards the interfaces in two basic modes: passive by visual observation and active through use-case scenarios. A separate study was conducted to correlate the visual effect patterns with the notification-message context. The usability of the proposed interfaces was measured by SUS (system usability scale). The relevant factors for appropriate information notification of each wearable interface were obtained and analyzed. The mascot was shown to be a preferred interface suitable for developing a personal relation with the user, while the box-shaped interface was found to be most helpful and suitable for business use.