FIRST WEARABLE FLAG ALLOWS PEOPLE WITH HEARING DISABILITIES TO EXPERIENCE THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

• King Salman Center for Disability Research and SRMG campaign brings sounds to life using cutting-edge haptic technology sewn into the fabric of a Saudi Arabian flag
• Film released for the Kingdom’s 92nd National Day sees several people encountering the ‘Hearing Flag’ and experiencing their national anthem for the first time ever

A wearable ‘Hearing Flag’ that enables people with hearing disabilities to experience their national anthem using cutting-edge haptic technology has been launched in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Center for Disability Research and SRMG as part of a campaign celebrating the Kingdom’s 92nd National Day.

The immersive experience brings sounds to life in a way that can be felt physically on the body using multi-force sensors sewn into the fabric of a Saudi Arabian flag. The campaign is a collaboration between the private and non-profit sectors, highlighting how Saudi National Day symbolizes the spirit of cooperation and empowerment of all members of society.

Using the ‘Hearing Flag’, people can immerse themselves in sound through real-time touch haptics which recreate the sensation of sound on the body. The flag concept was developed at SRMG and produced by London-based wearable technology brand CuteCircuit.

In an emotional campaign film launched across social media platforms today by King Salman Center for Disability Research and SRMG, viewers witness the moment that individuals encounter the hearing flag and experience their own national anthem for the first time.