For the 60.5 million people worldwide experiencing severe to profound hearing loss, the Esync AR glasses emerge as a beacon of innovation, transcending the limitations of traditional assistive devices. These smart glasses, designed by the Esync Design Team, are not merely a technological advancement but a leap towards emotional inclusivity in communication. The Iron A' Design Award in 2024 recognizes Esync as a well-designed, practical, and innovative creation that meets professional and industrial requirements.
Esync's unique properties lie in its ability to analyze speech and gestures, converting them into visual, auditory, and tactile feedback through augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). This allows users to perceive emotions and respond appropriately, reducing the social barriers often faced by the hearing impaired. The device's AI hardware is adept at adapting to various social contexts, ensuring that emotional signals are not lost in translation.
The realization of Esync's technology is a testament to the potential of AI in enhancing face-to-face communication. By recognizing speech content and emotional cues and converting them into text and tactile feedback, the device facilitates a closed-loop communication process. Users can respond using sign language, which is then translated into spoken language, thanks to the device's gesture recognition capabilities. This seamless interaction is a significant stride towards eliminating misunderstandings and improving social connections.
From a design perspective, Esync stands out with its 150mm x 155mm x 38mm dimensions, featuring a unique lens storage design for convenience and protection. The thoughtful combination of colors and materials enhances comfort and style, making it a smart wearable that is both functional and fashionable. The accompanying app, E-connect, allows users to adjust language processing in real time, ensuring the device's usability is as dynamic as the conversations it facilitates.
Developed over a three-month period in Beijing, the Esync project was a collaborative effort by Yiyu Qi, Wenfei Li, Yihuan Ma, and Wenbing Du. The team faced and overcame numerous challenges, including the product's form factor and privacy concerns during communication. Their dedication to creating a device that respects the aesthetics and functionalities of privacy resulted in a product that is not only a communication aid but also a statement piece that integrates seamlessly into daily life.
The Esync AR glasses represent a significant milestone in wearable technology for the hearing impaired, offering a new dimension of emotional understanding and expression. As a recipient of the Iron A' Design Award, Esync is celebrated for its contribution to creating a more inclusive society and enhancing the quality of life for those with hearing loss. The Esync Design Team's commitment to innovation serves as an inspiration for future advancements in the field of assistive technology.
Project Designers: Siqi Wang
Image Credits: Siqi Wang
Project Team Members: Yiyu Qi
Wenfei Li
Yihuan Ma
Wenbing Du
Project Name: Esync
Project Client: E-Sync