via Instagram (@minwookpaeng)Science & Tech / NewsScience & Tech / NewsIs this ‘third eye’ the future for our smartphone-addicted selves?A South Korean designer wants a generation of ‘smartphone zombies’ to rethink their behaviour with this wearable techShareLink copied ✔️June 8, 2021June 8, 2021Text Felicity Martin If you’ve ever had an unfortunate collision with a lamppost while scrolling Instagram, industrial designer Minwook Paeng has the solution for you: a giant, robotic eyeball that you can strap to your head. Paeng developed the ‘third eye’ device for a generation of ‘smartphone zombies’ to browse the internet on the go, injury-free. ”This is the look of future mankind with three eyes,” the 28-year-old postgraduate in innovation design engineering at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College, told Reuters. The wearable eye uses sensors to measure the oblique angle of the user’s neck, and the distance between the eye and any obstacles. But it isn’t exactly the most fashionable accessory, looking like a cross between a headlamp and a webcam strapped to your forehead. Demonstrating the device in Seoul, Paeng found that passersby weren’t so sure about the new technology’s look, but agreed there might be some benefit. ”I thought he looked like an alien with an eye on his forehead,” one resident, Lee Ok-jo, said. “These days many young people can get into accidents while using their mobile phone. This would be good for them.” “It is so cool and interesting,” added 23-year-old Shin Jae-ik. “We can easily bump into each other on the street while using smartphones. I may not need it now, but I’d like to buy it when they sell it later.” But Paeng said the ‘third eye’ was meant as a warning, an “ironic or critical design,” rather than a real invention. “By presenting this satirical solution, I hope people would recognise the severity of their gadget addiction and look back at themselves,” he said. Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.Trending7 sex worker-approved films about sex workSex workers have slammed Sam Levinson for his depiction of the industry in Euphoria. Here, we share our top recommendations for more true-to-life representations Film & TVLife & CultureHave you ever been friend-bombed?Armani Exchange FashionArmani Exchange joins Amnesia in Ibiza to kickstart summer party seasonBeauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaBeautyFit people only? The new wave of dating apps for the wellness eraFashionIn pictures: The extravagant world of Sukeban takes New YorkMusicTerrified: The 5 best tracks on fakemink’s new album FashionEverything you missed at Charli xcx’s SS26 fashion showLife & CultureNobody wants to be famous anymoreEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy