IO Ring is the result of a class exercise. It was an exercise of jewelry design, with a very open brief in which the teacher only required the creation of an audiovisual animating 3D CAD model. The name represents the binary system, 0/1 or LOW / HIGH and evidently refers to the integration of electronic element in the ring. Read on and enjoy!

I am a great lover of applied technology and frequently read articles about new technologies and new products projects which integrate them.
Also before this project, I had already done a research on NFC technology, so technically I knew I had to do. Furthermore, the architecture of the NFC tags is not complex and its implementation in the product is fairly simple. When the teacher explained to us the exercise in class, immediately I remembered which I saw a project in Kickstarter in 2013 called NFC RING by John McLearn. It was when emerged the idea of designing a nfc ring in which strike better the balance between luxury and technological aspect to literally get a "technological jewel".

- Vasile Ganea

Every new creation has a reference. Usually attend many online magazines specialized in products, boutiques, also portals portfolios and crowdfunding platforms. About the only thing I am aware that inspired me at that time is the NFC ring by McLearn, but surely the line, volume, color contrast even the combination of materials is the result of the merging of numerous projects seen on the network and stored in my subconscious.

- Vasile Ganea

The creative process began with a sketch, which actually were merely overlapping and confusing quick strokes but in my head representing several proposals. Finally I developed drawings of the final proposal. With reference to these drawings, I made a basic 3D CAD model on which work ergonomics of the two versions, feminine and masculine, and their respective variations creating the first prototypes in 3D printing. Finally I have defined the various components and assembly. Hopefully someone is interested in taking the project beyond the concept phase so that I can tell the manufacturing process. IO Ring at the moment is just a concept.

- Vasile Ganea

I have not been able to make a working prototype of IO Ring because jewelry work is not exactly the most affordable for a young designer. So far, the only tools I have used are CAD software for 3D modeling and rendering and my own RepRap 3D printer to create prototypes study of ergonomics and aesthetics.

- Vasile Ganea

It was a mix of classroom exercises, research on new connectivity technologies and NFC RING kickstarter project created by John McLearn. In his project, John had as its theme "reinvent the concept of jewel". Indeed he has succeeded, however, in my opinion, with its design has sacrificed iconicity and symbolism of the jewel as an indicator of social status, prioritizing functionality and the technological aspect. Therefore I like to define John's NFC RING as a fantastic Wearable. With IO Ring intend to put on the same level the symbolic purpose of a jewel and functionality provided by the integration of new technologies.

- Vasile Ganea

IO Ring is just a concept. They have contacted me several people from Russia, Italy and the United States showing interest in the project. One of them told me that has long time looking for engagement rings for him and his partner, and asked me about the possibility of reproducing the design of the rings without the nfc function. I explained that IO Ring has a Creative Comons does not prevent him to reproduce design for his personal enjoyment. I told him that for me would be a pleasure to collaborate so that he can make the rings.

- Vasile Ganea

About Vasile Ganea

Vasile Ganea is a product designer from Spain. At this moment, he is closing the cycle of his academic training doing internship with the design studio DesignGang from Turin, Italy. He is a great lover of objects, those designed for people, which provide witty and different solution for real user problems.
He follows closely the development of new technologies and their possible applications. You can find more of his works on his Behance profile or website.