Get set for 'accessorized' social distancing!

The pandemic has altered our lives in many ways, and a lot of these changes may now be the ‘new normal’ as the word resets for a post-quarantine order. Along with face masks, hand gloves and sanitizers, a whole new set of social distancing designs are emerging – seeking to offer safer and hygienic interactions.

As offices prepare for ‘return to work’, modular and optimized workplaces with soft curves are being designed to allow for a comfortable seating, with a window to socialize at a distance. Sensor powered faucets, AI apps and IoT-powered wearables that combine AR, geolocation and cameras to offer real-time visual alerts to employees if they come too close to each other and biometrics-enabled touch-free time/attendance systems are being adopted for safety, monitoring and compliance.

Every adversity presents opportunity for innovation, but who said innovation has to be futuristic? In fashion industry, dressing is going back in time. Fashion designers are reimagining outfits and adding both absurdity and fun elements to socially distant fashion. For example, Basket dresses also known as rattan cages were popular back in the 18th century. So also, crinoline skirt - a garment originally worn in the 15th century to keep men and women at a reasonable distance. Cherubic hats, or King Crowns which are simply extra-wide-brimmed and translucent is yet another example reminiscent of Victorian era. Back then, these were hallmarks of culture or symbol of class, but today, they are being reinvented for health security and many of them inducing claustrophobia rather than lending comfort. Call it ‘old wine in a new bottle’ or repurposing an old idea for a new use! And for the food junkies out there, there is wearable doughnut only to be worn to keep people in your surroundings at bay. Never one imagined that some day confection would be used as a shield to fend off an invisible enemy!

Shifting focus to travel sector, it’s a whole different flying experience. With temporary shields fitted to middle seats to allow for separation to two-faced Janus seats than can be reversed to offer protection even from people waling through the aisle, it’s operating on a different plane, literally.

Meanwhile, as restaurants gear up for reopening, a few are deploying Mannequins dressed as couples at tables, to be seated among diners to enforce social distancing. More importantly, trying to simulate a ‘full-house’ bustling experience with a 50% (or less) occupancy. A few others are turning to humanoid robots to receive guests at the lobby or for taking orders and serving meals at the table.

Finally, for open space lovers, there is the ‘picnic blanket’ meant for use in public spaces such as parks or beaches. Essentially, a large fabric ring with a massive hole in the center and four equidistant seating circles around its perimeter – all two meters apart, so you can have warm weather outdoor hangouts with friends. Cool, isn’t it?

Clearly, the times they are a-changin! We were witnessing the ‘quantified self’ movement in the past 3-4 years, but now we may be headed towards ‘accessorized self’ – not to track calories or indulge in immersive experiences, but to guard against a brutal enemy.