We designed Februss as a peripheral interface to be engaged remotely as a visual indicator of electrical use. Using two fold visual stimulus, exercises will be informed of average electrical output of kinetic machines, as well as overall energy production and work done. Situated in the middle of our new eco-focused gym, the machine serves as an indicator to new and regular users of their own energy consumption. Users will engage directly with the gyms electrical usage while at the same time pushing themselves to work harder and stay healthy. The system works by reading the work done on the kinetic exercise machines and sending that information to the motors spinning the ribs, sending them outward and inward. This information takes the amount of work being done and divides it by the machines in use. This allows users to see the amount of work being done in a dynamic way that re-adjusts based on population. The second visual output, lighting, reads the electrical output produced from generators situated within our kinetic machines. Different from work, the electrical output will go straight back into the gym to combat the electrical draw of the gym. Each machine will display the wattage produced by each patron, and the light on the sculpture will glow brighter if the energy produced grows closer to the energy used. All this information will be available to patrons as they enter the gym. If a patron feels like certain aspects of the gym (fans, lights, T.V’s, radios, equipment, etc.) are using too much electricity (due to the dim light in Februss) they can turn various objects off and the light will react and glow brighter. We designed various configurations to allow for different uses within the gym, ranging from a personal information hub, a community center piece and a marketing tool. By affecting the way gym patrons view electricity, we can teach users how to save energy in an engaging way that also leads to fitness and general well-being.
Team Naptime 