The Connection Glass facilitates and enhances meeting compatible people

“It happens everywhere there’s loud music – people mill around holding their drink. Everyone has a glass in their hand that they're 'nursing' and the glass appears somewhat of a security blanket - something to hold. “

In the long term observation of many such venues, Priscilla observed a type of “security blanket” syndrome. Holding a glass, wallet, keys, cell phone, handheld, or wearing an MP3 player is enough, though leaning on a wall or table will do and so will having something else in your hands. “I started out thinking that people could have some sort of message pad to communicate with others. Cell phone messaging already plays a significant role in keeping groups of friends in touch when out on the town.

“I was looking for some object that could embody a complete synthesis of communication technology, but I soon realized that people already have their hands full with their drink and purse or wallet or keys or cellphone.

So the glass became the focus.

“I've heard of a bar that uses cellphones and another in NY uses computers with cams to enable communication between people but I found that many people had an adverse response to cellphone use in bars as they seem impersonal.

“After developing the idea of a communication glass, I realized that not only would it enable learning about and meeting new people in the bar, it would help the bar to manage drink tabs and encourage (and monitor) the sale of drinks in the bar. It could also be an educator about the menu and list of drinks available. Some people are really intimidated when they order drinks because they don't know the names of standard drinks that aren't on a drink list or menu. The glass has a directory of everything the bar offers so that people can confidently order food and drink. There are already bars and restaurants that use wireless PDA's to manage tabs, so this wasn't much more of a stretch.

Priscilla is currently going through the process of finding the right backers to fund and partner in the process of bringing the system to market. Email from interested parties should go here.

“I am interested in finding backers for it or potentially a development or manufacturing partner. I'm also interested in finding new and interesting work, so I’ve not closed my mind on how we might bring the glass to market – I’m just keen to follow the process and create a product that will enhance the way we currently do things.”

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