Social Guard

Social Guard is a wearable interaction device designed to address the invisible problem of

personal boundaries in face-to-face conversation. Artificial intelligence can listen,

transcribe, and summarise speech, yet it rarely recognises social discomfort or

understands when silence is the more considerate response. People often sense pressure,

offence, or intrusion before they can explain what feels wrong. Speaking up may protect a

boundary, but a direct interruption can also intensify tension and damage the atmosphere.User research revealed a central insight: discomfort often appears before language. Social

Guard therefore moves beyond conventional phone notifications and private wearable

alerts. It takes the form of a visible pin, creating a shared signal that both participants can

perceive. Instead of placing the burden entirely on the wearer, the device introduces a

discreet, mutual cue into the conversation, allowing behaviour to change without

accusation or confrontation.Rather than applying a rigid list of prohibited words, Social Guard interprets conversational

context. Its AI considers the social setting, the relationship between participants, and

patterns within the exchange to identify boundary crossings more responsibly. Privacy is treated as part of the

product architecture, not an afterthought: recognition is processed locally on the device, audio is

discarded immediately after analysis, and no conversation is recorded or uploaded to the cloud.A soft, progressive light forms the primary interaction. It communicates gently, adjusts the tone of

the moment, and avoids the alarm-like quality that could create embarrassment. Iterations in form,

material, light diffusion, magnetic attachment, and physical control give the pin the calm presence

of an accessory while supporting comfort, stability, and intuitive use. A companion application

enables users to define sensitivity across different relationships and situations.Social Guard does not aim to terminate difficult conversations or automate human judgement. It

offers a respectful moment of awareness: enough for someone to pause, reconsider, and continue

with greater care. By transforming an invisible personal limit into a subtle shared signal, the

project proposes a humane role for artificial intelligence. The wearable becomes neither a

recorder nor an authority, but a gentle mediator that helps social interaction remain safe,

dignified, and open.