Prototypes of a sonic accelerometer for water sports.
Flotsam, Jetsam and Lagan are waterproof floatable objects that have been designed to communicate movement data from an internal 3-axis accelerometer through sound and touch. The aim is to attach such an object to an athlete’s arm, to a paddle or to a kayak to perceive information about stroke, cadence, pace and other aspects that may help the athlete monitor and improve their performance.

These prototypes crafted from cuttlefish bone, pumice stone and wood explore metaphors, narrative, and aesthetics through combinations of materials, technologies and sensory modes.
Flotsam is a wooden object designed to allow a team of rowers to hear turning points in acceleration through radio heaphones.
Jetsam is made of cuttlefish bone and has been designed to allow the perception of movement in 3 dimensions that can be useful in walking, jogging, gymnastics or other sports involving 3d motion of the body in space. The auditory metaphor uses continuous variation in the sound of wind and waves.
Lagan is an irregular object made of pumice designed to provide feedback about orientation by vibrating in different ways when it is held in different positions.

Exhibition at NIME Sydney 2010

The objects were exhibited at the NIME conference in Sydney. http://www.educ.dab.uts.edu.au/nime/program.php#Installation