GIFs help us better express how we feel in the virtual world, so why not let it help reveal our mood in the real world? That can soon be a reality for those who purchase this wearable.
Based in Stockholm, Sweden, the company Pins Collective is currently developing digital pins that allow customers to create and wear pins that feature animated and still images.
Think of it as a modern day twist on those tiny pins we used to put on our backpacks and clothing back in the '80s and '90s. Similar to this idea, this customizable wearable accessory allows customers to better showcase their personality, current mood, favorite artists or opinion or support on an issue.
To have the "Expressive digital Pin" display a particular image or GIF, the customer first has to download the accompanying app for iOS and Android. They then have the choice of using a pin created by someone else or of creating their own. If the user decides to be original, they can add text, background patterns, colors or take or upload a picture or GIF. The user simply taps on "Wear on pin," and the image or GIF then appears on the pin.
This means users can literally wear a beating — or broken, depending on their mood — heart on their sleeve, or pretty much anywhere else that looks good. This includes bags, shirts or even as fashion accessory like a necklace. The digital pin can also serve as a desktop reminder, as a do not disturb button posted on a door, or to alert drivers that you have a baby in the car.
"It's what the wearer uploads to the pin that's important. It might be a logo, a funny gif or a pattern that goes really well with a certain jacket or sweatshirt," Olaf Sjöstedt, Founder and CEO of Pins Collective, said in a press release. "We wanted to make a great looking wearable but in the end it's not the hardware nor Pins Collective that is supposed to be in focus — it is what the user chooses to upload."
The Expressive digital Pin is aimed at creative people, such as artists looking for some exposure, or those passionate about spreading awareness for a specific cause. It can also be used by businesses or brands to further expose their services or products. Artists, brands and designers can also share official merchandise to the app's community.
Artists like Karl Striker, Mia Wiking, Steve Wolf, About Blank and Sketchonista are already creating artwork for the pins.
Pins Collective teamed up with People People, a Swedish design and innovation agency, to help develop the pins. To display the image, the pins feature a round 3.4-inch LCD screen that is semi-reflective and semi-blacklight. This means images can be seen both inside and outdoors. A still image can last for up to 75 hours on the pin, whereas GIFs will only remain for for 2.5 hour. Users can charge via a microUSB.
"First, and most importantly we wanted to create a wearable that was as far as possible from a tech product," Sjöstedt said. "We were also determined to stay true to the classic pin/badge shapes as far as possible. The round shape pervades through all the work from the logo to pin to the app. The way one attaches the pin with the needle is also true to its original form and a design decision we took in order to stay as far away as possible from being a techie product."
The team at Pin Collective launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund development for the digital pin, setting a $75,000 goal. Those who pledge $49 will receive one digital pin and access to the app when it's expected to ship in February 2017. However, this option is already all gone. That means you will have to dish out an extra $10 to get your hands on one. The digital pin will retail for $99 once released to the public.
Source: Kickstarter
