Sensory-enhanced bracelet acts as indicator for sexual consent

A sensor-enabled bracelet alerts users and designated friends if the intoxicated wearer is unlikely to be able to give fair consent.

Wearable technology has excelled in popularity over the past five years, with fitness offerings proving the most popular. From the FitBit to the Apple Watch, mainstream options are so popular that if someone doesn’t have one, they definitely know someone who does. Taking fitness wearables to a whole new level, there is even a vest that acts as a smart coach platform for aspiring football players. In addition, some wearables have taken the form of a headset that identifies text and people for the visually impaired using artificial intelligence.

Now, US-based New Deal Design has partnered with startup Buzz to take another practical approach with the launch of its namesake product. Buzz is a sensor-enabled bracelet that operates with an accompanying app to monitor a person’s capacity to give sexual consent. The wearable uses sensors to capture biological markers and provide real-time feedback to help people acknowledge their capacity states. It also sends alerts to the user and their designated friends when reaching levels of intoxication where the capacity to consent becomes questionable. The system provides feedback in the form of subtle lighting cues, vibrations and notifications. Buzz enables users to employ familiar gestures and social cues to operate the product.

Buzz creators hope the physical device will allow people to be present, keeping the focus on having fun and connecting with others, instead of needing to open an app. The app supports this goal with notifications, planning, and remote monitoring. The company hopes college students and young adults, who are likely to consume alcohol on a regular basis and have the opportunity for sexual encounters, will take advantage of the product. It is also hoped the device will act as a catalyst for conversation about sexual consent. How could you utilize wearable technology to optimize your business operation?