Re-inventing the Hat in element14 design competition

BANGALORE, INDIA: element14, along with partner Adafruit, announces the finalists in its "Hats Off" global design challenge.

Participants will re-imagine the hat into new wearable technology solutions using the Adafruit GEMMA and an accompanying accessory pack, a release said.

The Adafruit GEMMA is a tiny Arduino-compatible sewable microcontroller capable of lighting up a constellation of LEDs based on simple sensors and actions. Competitors will develop hat-like garments that provide functionality beyond shielding the wearer from sun or rain.

"Our intent with this challenge was to encourage people to create wearable technology devices offering real-world solutions," said Dianne Kibbey, Global Head of Community, element14. "Submissions came from countries spanning the globe, and in addition to being functional they were all creative and intriguing. We're excited to see the proposed projects come to life."

The finalists, as well as their countries of origin and proposed builds, are as follows:

Todd Cowley (U.S.) - light-up Iron Man helmet

Tyler Crumpton (U.S.) - extra-sensory Case Cap

Gladys Delgado-Garced (U.S.) - matching dog and owner umbrella hats with directional capability

Barbara Eldredge (U.S.) - jaunty fascinator that changes color and intensity based on the wearer's amount of movement

Miles Flavel (Australia) - jack-in-the-box style top hat featuring a doll that tips its hat with the push of a button

Lori Griffiths (U.S.) - electronic Mardi Gras hat

Reed Morse (U.S.) - furry hood with animated eyes

Carl Penny (Canada) - modified scifi gas mask

Claire Price (United Kingdom) - electronic Easter bonnet

Lourens Smit (South Africa) - hat to provide visibility in dark environments and animate in social situations

Along with the Adafruit GEMMA, the finalists will be provided with the following:

Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger - v1

Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 500mAh

Four Flora RGB NeoPixels V2

Stainless Thin Conductive Thread - 2 ply - 25 meter/85 ft

Photo cell (CdS photo-resistor)

Small Alligator Clip Test Lead (set of 12)

GEMMA miniature wearable electronic platform

USB cable - A/MiniB - 3ft

Tactile On/Off Switch with Leads

Fast Vibration Sensor Switch

Small Enclosed Piezo w/Wires

The competition will conclude October 31, 2014. Competitors will be judged on their creativity, quality of documentation and the execution of their project. The grand prize winner will receive an Oculus Rift from element14 and one complete FLORA Collection parts pack from Adafruit.

"The submissions were all so great, it was hard to pick just a few competitors," said Becky Stern, Director of Wearable Electronics at Adafruit. "I'm excited to see what functional hats and costumes are developed through the course of the competition, and look forward to watching the creative process unfold on the element14 Community."

For more information on the "Hats Off" design challenge, visit the homepage.