From Uncertainty to Innovation: Wearable Prototyping with ProtoBot

Abstract

Despite AI advancements, individuals without software or hardware expertise still face barriers in designing wearable electronic devices due to the lack of code-free prototyping tools. To eliminate these barriers, we designed ProtoBot, leveraging large language models, and conducted a case study with four professionals from different disciplines through playful interaction. The study resulted in four unique wearable device concepts, with participants using Protobot to prototype selected components. From this experience, we learned that (1) uncertainty can be turned into a positive experience, (2) the ProtoBot should transform to reliably act as a guide, and (3) users need to adjust design parameters when interacting with the prototypes. Our work demonstrates, for the first time, the use of large language models in rapid prototyping of wearable electronics. We believe this approach will pioneer rapid prototyping without fear of uncertainties for people who want to develop both wearable prototypes and other products. © 2025 Copyright held by the owner/author(s).