although this looks beautiful (and, in answer to those asking about rendering techniques - is clearly a finished product which has been photographed)while it is clearly a work of art, i remain unconvinced that this is in fact serves any purpose as a time piece.

Very good idea and concept!
I like design and functionality of the watch!

It would be a fantastic thing to get this into
production and real life. I am sure that I would
buy one (for myself and for others) and a price
up to $ 200 would be reasonable.

Personally I like the red colored one more. Is
the clasp reliable and easy to use?

Best regards

Michael Ollek

Matthew,
I've been collecting watches for 50 yrs, this one of
the most spectacular combinations of design and functionality
I've ever seen. I will buy several at whatever price you
decide on.
Many visually impaired people do not have a
great deal of disposable income. This constitutes a bit of
a conundrum. The beautiful design will be lost for a blind person, so pricing it above the price of a typical watch
for the blind would be pointless. Many sighted people will
buy one, but will blind folks be able to afford it ?.
I leave that decision to your younger mind, it ls still
a design masterpiece, I certainly hope I will be able to buy
one.
Best wishes and good luck !, Larry

Very refreshing approach to time keeping. I too, as another had indicated, prefer Black.
A few concerns, pulling hair from the bracelet when moving on the wrist,
Life of the battery, and, can the battery be purchased and replaced by the owner? Solar cell option?
Locking mechanism for the deployment clasp, as most watches these days, they usually have two safety locks, but, one solid locking device, similar to GP Sea Hawk II Pro double deployment clasp on a rubber strap, or even as simple as Omega Seamaster's clasp design.
Weight and size of this watch. Some people prefer light, titanium weight watches, while others prefer the weight/heft of a nice SS watch. Each has their own durability rating.
PVD coating, may help prevent or reduce scratches to the watch and bracelet.
Would I purchase this watch? Depends on the price point. The U.S. economy isn't doing that great, with gas prices, we are in a recession, so, if this watch were priced around $300.00 USD, I would purchase one, if it were priced under $600.00, I may wait a year, until I have move disposable income. Priced any higher, I would probably pass. Keep in mind though, I am a collector that has paused purchases of watches. My watches range from $35.00 Timex, to my Girard Perregaux Sea Hawk II USA 71 on bracelet, which is over $7k USD.
Maybe a special edition/limited numbered edition made of ceramic? Price point would be higher, but, this material is virtually scratch proof, great for the sight impaired.

Options for strap, bracelet, and the type of clasp, priced accordingly would give you a larger demographic as well as color combinations and color choices. Good luck, great design,

Best Regards,

Kevin

Hey Matt
Awesome design! Like many others I will be in line to buy one. There are times when being able to tell the time in the dark is helpful in what I do.

It is hard to put a price point on art. If the final version is crafted out of milled aluminum and in a short run then I would expect to pay a higher price. As many others have suggested more color options would be good. I prefer black.

My concerns would be:

Robustness of design:
I know I'm forever replacing watch crystals because of the type of work I do.

The bracelet:
The hair issue - Will it pull all the hair out of my arm? (though I would be willing to shave my arm for this watch)

Security - How strong is the clasp, is there a secondary lock to prevent loss or theft?

Design thought:
How tough would it be to place a piece of LCD on the top of each block and turn it black when raised or glow it like the indiglo idea in a Timex?

Why not do a seconds counter as well (though battery life might be an issue)it's just a matter of programing.

Anyway love the design! Keep us all posted on its progress and don't let it die on the vine.

Kudos!

This is a fantastic watch. My husband has been looking for a watch like this for YEARS (he's not blind). There was a concept one years ago, but never made it to production. A watch like this is great, not only for the blind or visually impared. It a great COURTESY watch!! How many times have we wanted to look at our watch for the time, but didn't want to offend the person we are talking to because it would seem we are pressed for time. This way you could know the time and know you have not offended someone. Everyone knows, once you look at your watch the conversation is over. I want one. Hope it gets to market in the US.

I love the design!!! (also for non blinded people)

I would like to sell it in my shops. 150 Euro is reasonable.

Etzion.

Hi Matt,
First of all, this *is* a visually arresting and beautiful watch. However, I am slightly concerned by the design.

* Existing braille watches allow the user to feel (or see) a conventional dial with hands, and 12 numerals. Therefore the time can be read in a single action, without the need for modes; minutes/hours etc.

http://www.mechanikus.hu/gifs/w_RaB.jpg

* All watches allow users to ascertain the time with a single glance; timepieces are passive objects 99% of the time. With your design, this is no longer possible. Conversely, the user may know which hour it is, but this remains an extra superfluous action.

* Braille characters occupy a small surface area, smaller than a finger tip to allow each character to be read as quickly as possible. The large seven segment displays are going to make a great deal of extra work for partially sighted users.

Similarly, use of mechanical braille characters would have allowed you to convey seconds, and the transition between them.

* Your comment about illumination being superfluous is somewhat incorrect I feel. Visual impairment is not about absolutes; some users may have very mild sight problems, whereas others may have quite severe sight loss. Inclusive design is about catering for all degrees of impairment, and so illumination would not be redundant. Previous comments about low light levels also hold weight.

Have these issues cropped up when consulting partially sighted users?

First off, I must say I am not blind. (DUH)

But that does not stop me from wanting to snap one of these beautiful and unique watches to my wirsts. I've always been a fan of the less-than-ordinary, such as binary and weight watches. The watch itself doesn't seem to complicated, so I wouldn't expect it to be too expensive...student's salary isn't as big as it needs to be.

I would buy the second it was released.

<<>>

Yes I would buy 1
I would expect to pay anywhere in the range of 100 euro for 1. £250-£350 is to much and in this case only a gadget and not for the blind people. The idea is not new but a good adaptation.
http://www.tuvie.com/haptica-braille-watch-concept

I love the design and it's definite eye catcher but you know the problem...

greetings
kl.aus

I would like the metallic one.


Give

I really like this watch, if this watch is heavy and feels solid I would buy one. Both the silver and red versions look very cool.
This is the watch I have at the moment http://www.tokyoflash.com/en/watches/tokyoflash/shinshoku/ the thing I like about your watch and mine is that it looks like a band - not just a watch.

I would pay (starting) £80 but I would paymore if it was waterproof, felt solid etc.

Thanks

Hi, nice design indeed.Critics trying to be constructive: its looks like weight a ton, too much heavy.And its looks like only steel watch, but maybe is my choice, I like the Casio from 80's but not 300 $ from Diesel ! I also miss a render or an image quite far away,not only macros of the watch. Its dificult to get the whole idea. And ...only two digits, i guess u get the time with a two step sequence, isnt it? Anyway, nice design ! Good Luck with the idea

where and when it'll be available ?
good work.

Sure I would buy one if I can afford! This watch is a design masterpiece! I would pay between 200 and 300€ for it; depending on finish.

Regards

Benoit

I like this design. A nice use of metal to give an organic form. Personally I like watches with a uniform look between the watch itself and the strap, and with similar thicknesses -- like a bracelet.

This really gives a futuristic feeling (somehow it reminds me of Ironman :-)). I believe although the target audience is the visually impaired, those who aren't will also be interested in it. Telling time by mere touch is actually quite useful in dark places like cinema or dark room.

Frankly I think it shouldn't be only for the visually impaired. So concerning the coloring and finish, I believe it should stick to a metallic theme, Red&Silver, Black&Silver, Blue&Silver... those would be nice color combinations, and a matt or brushed finish would be nice.

I'm a bit concerned about the battery life as it involves some mechanical movements -- at least 2 states for hour and minutes. One the other hand, I'd suggest a mode where the segments stay up and update by minutes.

In terms of design it's hard to define a price actually. But normally I guess I'd spend around US$125-150 for this watch.

If it is really out for production, please do let me know~! I'll definitely get one if it's within my budget. Thanks!

Interesting design. Not that practical -ie hard to read , has external lighting needs (no I am not going to learn to read by touch because I own this watch!)

Will be likely to fail due to water, dirt exposure.

If your intent is to provide a practical time piece it doesn't work - if it is to provide a unique gadget - it works.

I already own a desk clock based on this raised pin idea.

Seems you should target collectors and not a general 'user' audience. Will save a fortune in having to support repairs as well since collectors won't expose it to the environment.

This is a nice looking watch, i have seen this idea of mechanicaly raising the segements of the display a few times before on wrist watches and wall clocks.

Is this a working prototype or a cad render, ethier would be impressive as i cant tell one way or the other.

All the best
Gavin

This is an awesome watch. i love the color yet blue, brush metal would also be great. i would pay up to 200.00 for a watch like this. remember we are in a recession sort of. but the addition of a small digital readout would also be cool. i really love the band design also..
techies would love this watch.

Price - up to US$1000 depending on finish.

The bracelet might be impractical - a rubber band might also be a good idea. To give you an idea, check out the articulated rubber bracelet on the new JLC Squadra.

There is clearly a much wider market than purely as a tool for people with impaired vision - so you need to consider a maketing strategy that takes this into consideration.

Also, digital/mechnaical watches are very much in fashion - so be aware there are a few other watches in development with a similar approach (in fact, these are mechanical)... so a good time to come up with an affordable model.

Overall I would tone done the futuristic look and focus on a good mix between a very modern face and an interesting bracelet.

Several years ago I saw a concept watch like this one on Beyond 2000 or a show like it. I have searched for years for information on that watch. I believe it was a European watch and I'm guessing it may never have gotten to point of production for the consumer, but I would appreciate any information anyone can give about it. This is a great watch. I hope Mr. Wagerfield is successful with it. I can see a lot great variations that could be done on this concept.

Yes I would buy 2
I would expect to pay anywhere in the range of 200-500 dollars for 1.
I love the tactile format it's definite eye catcher.
I would like the red, but loved the silver with green accents. A black one would be nice to.

Great one! I'll pay 200 euros for that masterpiece even though I'm not blind!

First, let's answer the questions:

I would most definitely want one.
I'd be willing to pay up to $250 for one.
The tactile display is awesome, and a great idea.
The design is awesome.

Now, as an aspiring Industrial Designer, maybe you might humor me with my own question... how did you render this? The quality is just superb, and I have never seen anything even close to this before.

The design is great, I love metal watches, but don't like the traditional "butterfly" clasp that they usually employ. You've created your own, and I admire that. The "watch" I'm using now is a Nike+ wrist remote for the Nike+ dongle on my iPod. It makes for a great watch, and is a bit similar to your design except that it lights up instead of projecting the digits.

Overall, I like how it doesn't have any major protrusions, and serves as a major benefit for the visually impaired as well as an exquisite time piece. It also can get away as looking not "just like a watch" like so many other timepieces fall into the trend of.

Well done, you've really done a good job here overall. Have you actually figured out the mechanics of how to get this thing working? That'd be impressive.


Cheers,
Chris

Watch is Sick!! I think its amazing. It is a piece that looks well built and has a design that cant stand the test of time and style. I would love to own a piece like this. As long as I can afford it...lol

Please keep me informed when it will be on the market for sale....thanks

I'd happily pay anything up to $USD 500 for this. It's a wonderful design, and I really hope you keep it minimal without adding the thickness or clutter of an alarm or some such.

Would you want one or buy one?
Most certainly.

If so, how much would you be willing to pay for it?
At most $125, but if you can add a method of tactile alarm, then at most $175.

How do you feel about the tactile format of the display?
Its an intriguing design concept. I will certainly try it.

Does the design, graphics, colours etc. please you, or would you prefer alternative options?
So far the design is pleasing along with the graphics. The simpler the better, given than telling time in a tactile way is new. I would also advise that you give some thought to a mechanism of tactile alarm feature.

I am totally blind and thus very interested in your watch. Do you plan to make a model for women? I hate that every watch I own looks so dull drab and boring. With regard to the comments about using actual Braille, of course I support that whenever possible. However, your watch is a great example of universal design--designed for everyone to use. I'd buy it just to demonstrate that concept when I conduct UD training, etc. Here's hoping you'll not forget us women who are blind who also want a cool watch! Marlaina

The design is crisp and beautiful. Even though it is designed for sightless people, there's no reason they should wear a gawky looking watch.
Being normally sighted I would buy this watch myself if the price were reasonable, say in the $100 - $150 range.

Love the concept. I am curious though as to why a 7 segment display was chosen over braille. Was it just so sighted people didn't have to learn braille to read it?

Very cool - glad to see some real design being applied to a watch for the blind as most current offerings are pretty tacky. A couple of thoughts:

-The bracelet is pretty cool, but perhaps a bit overly bold, and it looks like it might be of the style that tends to yank all the hair our of your wrist - having the option to switch between bracelet and strap might be nice. Also, I'd be curious to see how tricky it would be to add/remove links from the bracelet.
-You mention that the hours/minutes mode could be dynamically set - would there be some way to indicate which mode you're in for times when it wouldn't be obvious (e.g. 11:10)?
-I agree with what others have said about having the display in Braille - maybe have two versions available, one with the style of display that you've shown here and another with "true" Braille?
-I like the idea that you mention of having the sides of each of the raised segments coated with a bright color or luminous material.
-The proposed retail price is not cheap, certainly, but not at all out of the range of what I'd expect for something like this, especially if well-made. Plenty of other companies have charged a lot more for less-interesting designs, and the uniqueness of the case and bracelet is a positive here. That said, as a watch collector, my price expectations may be a little out of step with the average consumer.
-In terms of finish, I dig the brushed/anodized finish. The red might be a bit much, but I imagine it could be offered in different colors. Maybe a silver or black-anodized bracelet and color-anodized face?

Best luck with the project - looking forward to seeing how it goes.

Looks great!... I definitely gonna by one if it goes on sale and comes under $300US...

for the silver color one... it might be better to switch the matrial coz scrathes are esy to get on it

the lock of the strap might also cause problem for poor vision psople coz it might be difficult to lock it... could cosider using magnet

also looking forward to see more colors..

Hi Matt,

Really inspiring design. I am also a fan of the red color you show in the pictures, although black would suit me as well. Only point on the design of this is that in my opinion it would look better if the digits were a hint smaller and had more space inbetween them. But since this is mostly a practical instrument this doesn't need to be considered an issue at all.

Thanks for the great work and beautiful design.

Regards, Reinhold Rittinger

Hey Matt,

Looks sweet, though have to say I'm completely baffled by how you display the time with just two 7 segs?

How do I know if the watch is displaying minutes or hours for all numerals up to 12?

Would prefer it to show both hours and minutes simultaniously, though appreciate this would add to the complexity.

Be nice to be able to read the time with a quick look or a "quick feel" (insert own joke here)

Might also prove beneficial to have a tactile difference between the raised segments and the main face - maybe even slightly rubbery?

Like the styling, particularly the strap, but I do feel one too many functional compromises have been made in the name of the aesthetic. But hey you could always brand it Alessi!

Dunc

Quite the beautiful watch. I don't think I would wear a watch that displays only either hours or minutes, however. Even so, the tactile face seems excellent, and as a seeing person I would check the time not with my eyes but with my fingertips.

One concern that I would have is that the face and spaces between the segments and the face would get grimy or clogged, especially considering it's supposed to be touched.

These two are beautiful. I agree with those that would like more colors, ie: blue, black as well as red, metal.

What would be the point of making watches that the blind could use if they where too expensive for them? Yet the quality has to be there as well as profit. Solid metal, great quality: U$350 to no less than U$150. Please let me know when it becomes available and where I can get one.

It's a beautiful design and I appreciate the simplicity of the reporting of time.

I would echo the criticisms of the others by saying that, while the clasp mechanism looks very novel and inspired, I'd either redesign it to suit your target audience or at least do some testing with visually impaired/blind individuals to make sure the current version can easily be fastened.

Battery replacement is also very important as noted by Jerry. This is difficult enough with good vision although, it may be a non-issue for any watch if you're partially impaired or blind. As long as a skilled jeweler/watch repairer can access the battery easily, it may not matter. Of course, an automatic mechanism would be the best.

My other concern would be with adjusting the bracelet. Can links be (easily) removed or would it require a sighted person with some excellent manual dexterity and precision tools?

Aside from these concerns, I'd like to buy one based on looks alone. It would definitely be a great conversation piece.

This is truly beautiful and groundbreaking work. I think it's perfect in every detail. I hope this is something I can feel on my wrist very soon! Nice Work!

Hello,
In none of the pictures that show the display can I discern what time is represented. I think it will be too diffucult for sighted users.
-Nick

If this watch came out under $300US I would buy it in a hardbeat. That watch looks great, it's a nice understated style.

nice design and innovative idea, would be nice to see a more of a refined design maybe suitable for the female market?

Hi Matt,
It's a brilliant idea and looks really cool too. Hope it does really well.

Nicky

As outlined at our recent meeting I think the concept of this watch is excellent and should it come to market I think there would be demand. The one thing that would be key to ensuring high sales within the low vision market would be to aim to set the RRP at £60 max. You would sell units above this price but I do think it would deter a lot.

However, you could target this product at the commercial market and try various outlets as it looks great and the uniqueness of the watch would probably appeal to a lot of people, regardless of whether they were blind or not.

I believe that the range of tactile watches available in the UK does need improving/expanding and a digital version such as yours would be a refreshing addition.

It would be good to see the watch again when complete and I wish you all the best with the rest of the project.

WOW, the best watch I have seen in a long time.

My Order is here. would take one today.

How much? limited to a run of 1000 I would pay £1000, limited to 5,000 I would pay say £350 - £450, unlimited I would pay £120 - £160

Colour choice would be good, maybe a blue, a stainless and a black as well as the red

Hope that helps, email me when ready and I will sell them for you in the UK

Warmest Regards

Martin

This has the same limitation that allows analog watches to prosper long after the digital display was invented. The angular relationship of two hands can be perceived subconsciously, but numerals need to be read.

A display choice between Hours or Minutes? A wonderful idea for people whose impairment doesn't require knowledge of the current time.

This is effin amazing. I have three thoughts: a) What if you had a tiny tiny raised bar on the side that slid down the edge to give an idea of minutes. If it's near the top then it's early in the hour, if its 1/2 past it 1/2 way down etc. That way they could leave it on the hour setting but also have an idea of min by the slider. b) if you did have such a slider, what if it could be pushed in to illuminate the bars for people with sight? c) I totally think this watch is worth what you're asking, however if you're targeting a seeing impaired demographic I would want to make sure that they could afford it. Middle class America generally doesn't spend that amount of money on a watch. Again, I'm not saying it's not worth £200-250 because ton's of work has gone into this I'm sure and it's beautiful!

You've done a wonderful job in designing a proper watch suitable for anyone.

Many inventions aimed at assisting those who are visually or otherwise impaired are focussed on fuctionality over design, which can lead to useful but uninspiring creations.

However the Sentio watch however manages to combine design and functionality extremely sucessfully to create a striking timepiece that, having seen one in the flesh I think a majority of people would be proud to wear.

It is modern and elegant without becoming over the top. I think adding further graphics could ruin the clean lines of the design.

I also like your idea of colouring the edges of the raised segments so the time would have a more visual impact for sighted users, and perhaps a narrower, lighter strap for those who found the chunkier strap to big?

One question I have, sorry if it's been asked before in this list... Is the watch splash / waterproof - I'd clearly forget to take it off when I got int he shower at one point.

Overall its an excellent creation!

Well executed design Matt. Very impressive and the level of detail is excellent. Only reservation is that it is not immediately easy to tell the time using this format.

Being the lazy person I am, I skipped the introduction given to this design and assumed it was a watch employing an innovative mechanism that was targeted at a wide audience. It was until I read the other comments that I realized it had been originally targeted at a very particular niche. I think this is statement at the marvel you have produced; a design that would appeal equally as much to the visually impaired, as to the wider market like people myself (although I have come to question my visual health at times regarding the opposite sex, if you catch my drift).

To inform this response further, I actually 'googled' images of current braille watches, and what a gruesome sight the majority are- an attractive design like yours would surely be much appreciated. However, on a critical note, I am glad to discover that this watch, if made available to the public is available in a variety of the colours, since I feel the red option associates a gender specific taste (i.e. towards females), whereas the overall watch i.e. the relative bulkiness, is more attractive to men. Therefore somewhat contradictory in the gender market you want to approach. I may just be cowardly in my fashion choices though.

Overall though Matthew, as expected you, have maintained your impeccable record of producing a great design.

Very interesting concept! I'd definitely consider buying one. Not just because I *am* visually impaired, but also because of the radical design and technical concept behind it. This would definitely be a more intuitive, attractive option for younger people with visual impairments. Regular braille watches are so ugly, you'd have to be blind to want to wear one...

As for the visual part: I'd love to have one like it in yellow or international orange. You really want the watch to 'stand out' on your night table/desk/kitchen counter/sink if you do need to take it off.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Here's hoping you can get it produced.

Superb idea, great implementation. I like the idea of having the sides of the raised areas in either glow or colors. Would help those with some limited sight. I would buy in a minute on style alone, as I am sure would many others.Brilliant design while serving a true need. Shows design and social conscience can work together.

An excellent design that should appeal to most consumers. A couple of thoughts/questions. I assume that it's set for a 24hour "display" as a blind person would need to distinguish between noon and midnight.

Also, perhaps an different color on the sides of the segments would allow for easier reading by sighted wearers when they pop up. I generally look at my watch from a slight angle when it's on my wrist.

Finally, what is the expected life of the battery?

Good luck with your endeavor.

George Scott

Why not make the watch in braille instead of a sighted script? Wouldn't that make it easier to read by a blind person, as well as allow more space for a full time display? In addition, braille bumps could easily be hidden behind a membrane, removing the cleaning issue. Combined with a kinetic charging mechanism, you could have a sealed unit.

Hi Rob,

Thanks very much for your kind words. In response to your query regarding the orientation of the watch due to its symetrical design, there is a series of 3 dimples on just one side of the face body (the red bit). These asymetric dimples provide a tactile indication that the watch should be put on with these at the bottom. These dimples are visible in pictures 1, 5, 10 and 11.

Regards,

Matt

Looks amazing, and a really great idea for visually impaired people, however one question (I realise this may be obvious while actually handling the watch) - how would you know you had it on the right way> the 'clasp' design gives no tactile or visual clues to its orientation and the face is symmetrical not only horizontally and vertically but also, more crucailly, roatationally.

Only a thought, and something which you have most likely thought of already. I'd pay loads for a watch that looked as good as that though

Great work

R

Impressive technical design and looks great. It's obvious and lot of time and effort has been spent. I particularly like the strap design.

Great effort.

Great concept Mat, I really like the idea that the 7 seg display rises out of the face surface to offer a tactile and visual indiciation of the time. My only query is regarding the 1mm rise height, Is this sufficient enough to allow an able sighted user to glance at it quickly and tell the time? I guess that as it's primarily designed for the visually impaired then this isn't a major concern, however as I'm sure plenty of us 'sighted' people would love to adorn our wrists with it (I know I would) - I'd be curious as to whether 1mm is enough. Colour wise it looks pretty spot on - If i had to propose an alternative I'd go for an Anthracite grey... that'd look P.I.M.P

A very interesting concept. I'm a big fan of the minimal/geometric look and it's like this watch could have been designed for me. It's nice to see some inclusive design work which appeals to all. What is this going to retail at? because i wan one. Good work Matthew.

A very impressed

Tony.

First of all the watch looks awesome, I would easily splurge £300 on a anthrite grey and polished version. The display is a good USP (as well as a good inclusive step forward) that I can see being worn by a wide range of design orientated people. It looks quite heavy however, Im not sure that i would wear it as an everyday watch but more for social occasions and such. It seems ironic that the best looking watch I've seen in ages is designed primarily for people who can't fully appreciate the aesthetic - maybe two watches could be born from this design - a version as it is shown at the moment for non visually impaired people and a lighter, sleeker, less intricate version (still incorporating the same design style and flair however) which sacrifices a small amount of aesthetic appeal for extra usability for people with visual impairment (lighter, less bits to get dirty etc?). Overall a funkin superb design, brilliant job brilliantly done. Let me know when I can buy one.

I think the concept of this watch is very thoughtful, it is nice know that this design may really help people. Aesthetically, this watch looks amazing. I believe a walnut dash finish would be best. As for price I'd expect it would be a lot more expensive than the classic casio time piece the F - 91w (http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2533393/Trail/searchtext%3ECASIO+WATCH.htm). However, if it can do all the things that the website says it can I'm sure it will prove to be a very popular product, both for people with sight and hearing impairments and people who want a truly unique watch.

Good luck with this Mat

Tris

Very nice design! Very refreshing to see a designer who is working on a project that is truly helping people. Just a few comments, I worked in a very busy watch store for 3 years and discovered very quickly that battery replacement is HUGE. It becomes even moe of an issue if you need to replace a battery often. The other big issue with watches is dirt and grime geting all mixed in with the components....actually kind of gross. I think it's dead skin cells. Is the band the elastic type? I have had many blind customers either ask for metal elastic bands or already have one. I am truly inspired by both you intent in this design and your attention to very nice aesthetics!

I love the design - anodised aluminium always looks awesome, particularly in such rich colours. I can't wait to see some fully anodised ones with highlights like the green on the polished watch.
I really like the stap design in particular. It looks really substantial and interestingly constructed - a little big for a girl though, any chance of a girls version?? I'd definately buy one then... brown please!

I think the mechanism is a really interesting take on convential 'inclusive design' although I do agree that it would be nice if there was also an easier visual reading.

All in all, an excellent design (and good photos too). Good work!

Looks great Matt. It's a innovative step forward from having a light on your watch. It'd be good to be able to check the time without having to look down and appear rude or bored.
There's obviously a huge market for watches and this covers some people's needs and even more people's desires. Right nice!

Hi guys, thanks for the comments so far!!! They've been great.

In response to some of your questions, the watch has an intended RRP of £200-250 and would be available in a multitude of colour variations to suit your taste (a fully polished version of the watch can now be seen in the gallery).

The display only displays 2 numbers which corresponds to either minutes or hours. For example if the time was 12:36 and you were in minutes mode, then the display would be raised to the number 36.

Although not imediately obvious from any of the above text discriptions or images (my bad), the buttons to switch between hours mode and minute mode are capacitive (they are touch sensitive). Pressing your finger on the left hand edge of the watch face will switch to hours mode and pressing your finger on the right hand side of the watch will switch the display to minutes mode.

Marc, your comment about the segments being difficult to read in low light by able bodied users is a valid point, however the space occupied by the mechanism leaves little room for further complications such as lights etc. I have however thought that the sides of the segments could be coated in some sort of reflective or illuminous coating so that when they are raised, a rim around the segment is visible?

I hope this answers some of your queries.

Keep posting... this is all great stuff.

Matt this looks fantastic. Well done. I love the colour and the aesthetic of it. Like Chris said, the only thing that confuses me a bit is how two digits tells the time? But apart from that its brilliant.

Cool watch. Pleasing in it’s aesthetic while functional and concise in its execution.

I’m am favour of its ‘Inclusive Design’, far more than most inclusively designed products on the market today.

Most ‘Inclusive Design’ nowadays fails to be truly inclusive as the designs are only targeted at people with impairments.

I feel Sentio is truly an inclusively designed watch because it appeals to the whole market, abled bodied or not. Which means there is no stigma or prejudice attach to it.

If one criticism is to be made, it would be that the watch would be difficult to read in low light levels by an abled bodied person. Since this user group is not accustomed to discerning patterns or symbols by touch alone reading the watch in low light may be difficult and frustrating.

Perhaps the sides of the segments could illuminate, making it easier to read the time.

All in all a very good design, how much are they?

I think the watch looks very well designed and engineered. It is very aesthetically pleasing and would be a great aid to not only visually impaired users but also to others that cant see due to lighting conditions, For example as a photographer working with light sensitive paper and film, I have to spend a lot of time in low level light or in total darkness, this watch would enable me to keep track of the time without having to worry about fogging film or paper. I feel also that the raised segments also add a gimmick to this watch making it different to other watches on the market making it more appealing to those who strive for originality and their own style.

I have never come across such a wonderful idea as a watch suitable for people of impaired sight before. This would be a great advantage to solve many problems of those type to find out the time with strong ease.

I say congratulations! This would surprise the market very well and you will get exceptional profit for sure!

Props and respect!

The design of the watch is very creative. It would be suitable as a designer accessory for anyone whether visually impaired or not.
One aspect that is worth considering during further development is the time taken to alternate between viewing hours or minutes to ensure that it is a fluid process.
The watch is very visually striking and I believe the colours used in the slideshow would suit the persona of someone interested in buying the watch, that is, an outgoing individual.
I would consider purchasing the watch and I would expect a price of £250-£350 with the option to select from a range of colours if bespoke manufacturing were possible.
Overall the design substance is concrete. I think it is important to show potential customers the watch ‘in action’ as this would answer many questions.
The raised segments are an inspired piece of engineering. This concept has brought Braille into the 21st Century and has created a design solution available to all.
Well done!

Looks fantastic matt that red colour is lovely! Really looking forward to the black and gold one you mentioned.

How do you change the display from telling you the minutes to hours? Its not immediatly obvious from the images shown

Loving the watch mr. wagerfield. I think it is both aesthetically pleasing and innovative, a rare find these days. good work!

To get the ball rolling, I thought I would post the first comment:

Wow! What an epic piece of engineered beauty. The person who envisaged, designed and manifested this artifact of pure innovation must be either a genius or a higher power... oh no wait; that was me. (Sigh) The bias is strong in this one.

I look forward to reading your comments.

Regards

Matthew Wagerfield