Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match…
I wonder what you’ll make of this? Some University of Maine new media students created a sort of high-tech matchmaker. It’s kind of like speed dating meets eHarmony and goes mobile.
Essentially, the students designed a computer program where users input information about their personality traits and preferences. That information is then uploaded onto a small, portable unit. The unit is then connected to a shirt or handbag wired with small LED lights. As the user walks around, whenever they come within 30 feet of a personality-compatible person, they literally light up!
The students have named the product the Friend Finder and envision it becoming the next wave in dating services. Their thought is that if people knew more about the personalities of the people they walk past, they might be more likely to take the plunge and start a conversation. The students are now researching ways to make the device smaller and less expensive.
Here’s a preview of how it works…
So, instead of playing old-fashioned eye contact games, flirting from across the room, and eventually wading your way through small talk, potential dateables can now cut right to the chase.
“Well, we’ll obviously like each other, wanna go catch a movie this weekend?”
I’m trying to picture my teen walking around on a college campus next year with her heart-light glowing for the world to see. Hmmm…
So what do you think? Cool idea…or not?
