Paul Gardner-Stephen has invented the world’s first Shoe Phone. The device has received so much attention, he is considering making it available commercially.
Paul originally created the item for a drama presentation with a "Get Smart" theme, as he could not find one on the Internet.
Gardner-Stephen insists the concept could be applied to caring for the elderly and remote patient monitoring. He said storing electronics in a shoe would be, "unobtrusive and wouldn’t be objectionable to older people who aren’t comfortable with modern technology."
Detailed instructions on creating the shoe phone are posted on instructables.com, and thousands have downloaded the information and one person has already built their own phone and made available on eBay last month for $60.
Very Maxwell Smart!
Shoe Phones
Forget eBay, Paul Gardner-Stephen Shows You How To DIY
Trend Themes
1. Shoe Electronics - Applying electronics in shoes for functional purposes enables unobtrusive and technologically acceptable ways of caring for the elderly and remote patient monitoring.
2. DIY Wearable Devices - The rise of DIY wearable devices paves the way for individual creativity and innovative usage beyond what commercial manufacturers offer.
3. Unconventional Electronic Devices - Creating unconventional and mixed-use electronic devices can lead to new market possibilities and innovative uses for existing technology.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The medical industry can explore the potential of shoe electronics for remote patient monitoring and elderly care with less intrusive technology.
2. Wearable Technology - DIY wearable technology can offer a new kind of expression and customization in the otherwise limited wearable device industry that aims for fashion and functionality.
3. Consumer Electronics - There is potential for unconventional and mix-use gadgets like shoe phones to enter the consumer electronics market with unique selling points and practical value.