AI Compass TERRA Aims To Make Hiking More Mindful
The screen-less device was designed in a partnership between Modem and Panter&Tourron.
Design offices Modem and Panter&Tourron similarly work at the intersection of products, technology and art direction. Their latest collaboration, TERRA, is a contemporary investigation of all three, set against the backdrop of the great outdoors.
An AI compass, the pocket-sized TERRA was inspired by the simple concept of wanting to wander outdoors without the fear of getting lost. Rather than following a pre-planned route, the compass takes users on an unexpected journey while ensuring they’ll be returned to their starting point.
Users input their starting GPS coordinates and available time into the compass’ interface. TERRA will “translate their intentions” to take them on a walk or hike, using a compass needle and gentle haptic feedback to guide the way.
TERRA is purposefully screen-less to offer a much-needed break from our time spent on computers and phones. It’s also designed to be open source, meaning that anyone can access the software and CAD models and could even build the compass themselves with the necessary tools and parts and add their own customizations.
“TERRA explores how we can reconnect with ourselves and our surroundings in times of relentless digital device distractions,” Modem co-founder Bas van de Poel says. “TERRA is not just a piece of technology; it is a vision for a more mindful approach to our digital existence.”
