The Map Bag is a messenger bag that’s also a compass. Eight small vibration motors sewn into the bag discreetly inform the wearer of compass information as she travels. In other words, it lets you read a compass with your body. The Map Bag could be particularly useful for bikers, the visually impaired, or time-efficient situationists—one use suggested by designer Josh Billions. The bag uses a LilyPad Arduino microcontroller, GPS chipset, and eight vibration motors.

The LilyPad Arduino microcontroller is a washable, sewable microcontroller for use in e-textiles and interactive garments. Compass data lends itself especially well to screenless, tactile output. What other kinds of information might be better “read” physically than visually?

Tangible Tuesdays features new finds in tactile interaction design each week.

Found via What Consumes Me

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