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See more objects with the tag digital, mobility, navigation, athletes, blind, wearable, assistive device, guidance, vibrating, GPS, sport, tactile, low vision, haptic.

Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

2017

  • We exhibited this object.

  • Work on this object began.

2025

  • You found it!

Functioning Armband, Wayband, 2017

This is a Functioning Armband. It was designed by WearWorks and Yangyang Wang. It is dated 2017.

While most mapping and global positioning systems (GPS) deliver information through graphics or voice, Wayband gives tactile feedback. When paired with a smartphone navigational app, it guides the wearer to their destination by emitting patterns of vibrations instead of oral cues. Transmitting directions through pulses frees the user to hear other external sound cues, such as traffic or conversation. A sport version of Wayband was worn by blind ultramarathoner, Simon Wheatcroft, in the 2017 NYC Marathon.

This object was donated by WearWorks. It is credited Courtesy of WearWorks.

  • Cane With Microscope
  • H x diam.: 88.8 x 2.9 cm (34 15/16 x 1 1/8 in.).
  • Gift of John B. Scholz in memory of Walter Scholz.
  • 1987-97-9-a/f

Our curators have highlighted 13 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

This object has not been digitized yet.
  • Path Finder
  • electronic components, printed circuit board, laser, rubber, plastic.
  • Purchased by the museum for the exhibition.
  • s-e-2653

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 10.2 × 3.8 × 7.6 cm (4 in. × 1 1/2 in. × 3 in.)

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Access+Ability.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/1158794977/ |title=Functioning Armband, Wayband, 2017 |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=6 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>