Becoming a Butterfly
Migrating monarchs can sense the earth’s magnetic field. As a way to better empathize with this species, we created a system that allows you to feel and hear your way to a destination.
Humans, as far as we know, cannot detect the earth’s magnetic fields. We built a system that combines an iPhone app with a bluetooth-connected vest with eight vibrating motors that convey the direction to a preset target. Additionally, we created a complimentary stereo sound experience for headphones to make the newfound monarch-sense even more tangible and powerful.
with C. Wang, T. Levy, and D. Owens (MIT/cw+t).
A bluetooth-enabled app communicates with the butterfly vest to navigate to a target using vibration and sound.
Some butterflies have been shown to be sensitive to magnetic fields.
Experiencing a tactile and auditory stream of data to 'feel' the way to a destination, similar to the way a monarch butterfly migrates to Mexico using the earth's magnetic field.