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Update #5: Pants Interface: Almost there!
Hi dear backers! Many of you have been following along this whole time but for those who haven't been and are wondering what is up, please check out our social media project log at http://pantsinterface.tumblr.com/. The assembly directions for the kit are a giant poster crammed with hand drawn diagrams, charts, references, and lots of tips and tricks for sewing circuitry. Sooo exciting! Things are working out great and we hope to set a date soon for our unveiling.
<3
Rachel
Update #4: Pants are taking off!
Hi everyone! After we reached the fundraising deadline last week I spent a few days tying up some loose ends... and then the whole city went crazy! Everyone took their pants off! OK, so maybe it was for gay pride weekend, but it felt like everyone was getting ready to put on their new smart pants. Well, they're not ready yet, so as cleanup crews get busy, and the city slowly gets back to work, everyone had to go home without their pants.I don't think they mind.
Thanks for funding this project! I have been getting together a calendar and wanted to update you on the timeframe for everything. I have decided to present the buttons at Maker Faire New York, which is September 17 & 18. This gives us two months to refine and finalize the button design, wring out some problems with the code, and get the project presentation-ready. Right now the goal is to start shipping rewards at the beginning of September, with the launch party not happening until the middle of October. This builds in a bunch of time for Things to go Wrong. Which never, ever happens, and will certainly not happen to the pants interface. Nope. Still, it's best to leave room just in case!
We'll keep you posted periodically with updates. I'm documenting the entire process and will be posting tons of stuff for folks who can't get enough - photos, stories from the soldering bench, and info on the project as it develops at http://pantsinterface.tumblr.com/ (there's nothing there yet, don't be alarmed) .
Talk to you soon!
R.
Update #3: Escape Velocity Achieved! Pants in Space!
Hi all! Yesterday we reached our minimum donation level and so it's official: this controller is moving forward!
I celebrated by heading over to Noisebridge and testing a new button design. It was kind of a failure, heh. Hooray experimentation! Thanks for funding this research. It is really helpful to have the funding but also super important to feel a sense of support and commitment from a group of people. It makes late-night setbacks easier to take in stride. I have some great ideas on how to evolve that design to counter the problems I had, and also some new thoughts on making the buttons themselves modular.
Once the donation period has ended, and I know exactly what the final $ count will be, I will put together a budget and calendar so that you know when to expect the Jetsons to show up at your door. Meanwhile, if you want to see more details of the assembly from last night, check out this photo set on flickr for a half dozen photos of button design #5 as well as a bunch of other soft circuit goodies.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachelyra/sets/72157624754654722/with/5855540937/
Finally, it's not too late! I am thrilled to achieve our minimum funding goal but if you think of any performance, technology, soft circuit, or futuristic dreamer types, let them know that every little bit helps and there is still time to hop on the Pants train!!
<3
R.
Update #2: Thanks for supporting Pants Interface! 5 days left!
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Posted on June 17, 2011
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Update #1: New mini video! ...and only two weeks left!
59
Backers
$4,590
pledged of $4,100 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on June 22, 2011.
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
A digital document pack of all the schematics and vectors needed to build the project, the satisfaction of funding the open-sourcing of this information, and an invitation to a killer launch party in San Francisco.
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
A love letter that includes scraps of conductive fabrics and strange materials shoved into the envelope, as well as everything else listed above.
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
A love letter including limited edition artist's monoprint versions of the schematics, first dibs on the kit when it is released, and an invitation to a killer launch party in San Francisco.
Pledge $150 or more Pledge $150 or more
A love letter that includes actual prototype components, chips, scraps of conductive fabrics and strange materials shoved into the envelope, first dibs on the kit when it is released, as well as an invitation to our launch party.
Pledge $300 or more Pledge $300 or more
A love letter including the first edition Pants Interface kit, first dibs on the kit when it is released, and of course an invitation to our launch party.
Pledge $650 or more Pledge $650 or more
The first Pants Interface device, installed into Medium Reality men's pants (M or L) made with reclaimed materials, first dibs on the kit when it is released, along with an invite to the launch party.
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
Sponsor a performance of Paul Freedman's new song Hackerspace, using the device, at our hackerspace Noisebridge. Then we all go eat tacos. (enough sponsors at this level unlocks a music video!). Also get an artist monoprint of the schematics, a discount on kits, and an invite to the launch party.
Pledge $2,500 or more Pledge $2,500 or more
A custom prototype device using this technology. We will work with you to design and make one to suit your needs precisely. Also, hugs.
Project By
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Rachel Lyra Hospodar is an artist and designer working in every medium at once. In addition to re-imagining interface, she currently makes and sells laser-etched monoprints of San Francisco as well as a line of men's clothing made from reclaimed materials, featuring lasercut applique.
