Rachel LeRoy
Wizard of Oz riding test.
Sketch of all the components of MR ED.
The first step in creating a horse leg mannequin is to take a 3D scan.
Plaster strips hold the horse leg model together.
Measurements confirm that the model is to scale.
Prototyping of several different pocket designs.
The chosen pocket design next to its actual counterpart.
3D printed prototypes of the best way to protect the sensors.
Google Glass will display the collected data to the rider.
A riding pattern will test the sensors at different gaits.
Usability testing of a visual interface
gathering data from motion sensors
MR ED
Measurement and Recording Equine Device
Research, on current equine technologies, shows that limited exploration is being done in the space of wearable technology. However, gathered data is not able to be immediately viewed by riders and trainers.
MR ED is a research project focused on designing wearable sensors for horses, specifically creating a tendon boot that will communicate with a head-mounted display (such as google glass or an auditory interface). In this way, a rider is able to make instant changes to their training regimen based on what they are seeing or hearing. A few objectives the project aims to accomplish are gait, heart rate, and speed recognition.
Customer discovery is an on-going process that continues to influence designs and direct development of the technology. Mixed research methods from qualitative ethnography, participatory design, as well as quantitative analysis of motion data is actively being pursued and tested with IRB and IACUC approval.