Sensory Augmentation by means of Wearable Technology

Abstract

It is known that the distinctive relationship of the Millennial generation with technology has brought two icons of the current lifestyle, mobile phones and online social networks, which it is often considered as a badge of generational identity. The accelerated rise of smart devices has enabled modern society to reach amazing levels of productivity in regular lives. On the other hand, technology has contributed to increase the "absent presence effect", which is described as an individual is physically present but is absorbed by a technologically mediated world of elsewhere. This phenomenon has affected the quality of interpersonal relationships and the ability of individuals to accurately read verbal and non-verbal codes. In a higher multicultural context, as a consequence of the process of globalization these verbal and non-verbal communication coding systems are learned and passed on as part of the cultural experience, therefore, a cultural-specific knowledge (knowledge of intracultural communication) is required regarding the different verbal and non-verbal communication codes from a particular culture in order to understand and respond accurately to different the social interactions presented during the socialization process among different cultures.

This research proposes wearable technology as the preferred tool of communication for the human being, with the potential of improving human intercultural adaptation. Although wearable technology has the potential to assist all the dimensions of intercultural adjustment (verbal and non- verbal communication elements) however, for the purpose of this study, it has been decided to focus on one of these dimensions, direct communication (language barrier). Language is considered as the most relevant mediator that allows the human being to relate and understand each other. Hence, its importance as an initial approach to wearable technology assistance in intercultural adaptation.

The design proposal exposed in the present document aims to show the advantages that wearable technology can offer through the implementation of sensory augmentation principles, to improve and encourage an individual in his language learning process. In addition to the integration of augmented reality systems as a provider of a motivating, entertaining, and engaging learning environment. Thus, allowing the individual to be involved in a rich real-time support environment as he performs his daily activities (learning through direct experience).