EntoPedia

EntoPedia is a wearable digital collection system designed to transform everyday encounters with insects into moments of observation, learning, and shared knowledge—without physical capture.
Worn as a magnetic pendant, EntoPedia remains quietly present throughout daily life. Its compact, fashion-forward form avoids the visual language of technical equipment, allowing it to integrate naturally into personal wear. When an insect is encountered, a simple two-finger press mechanically releases the camera module, instantly entering recording mode. This deliberate, tactile interaction reduces friction between noticing and documenting, enabling quick and respectful observation in real-world conditions.
Rather than collecting insects through possession, EntoPedia collects them digitally. Using imaging and AI-based analysis, each insect is recorded as a unique digital specimen, preserving its visual texture along with contextual data such as time and location. Every record contributes to a shared local dataset, positioning the user not as an owner, but as one observer within a broader ecological context.
The companion mobile app functions as both a personal field journal and a living map of insect activity. Users can explore seasonal trends to understand which insects are commonly observed in their area at a given time of year, as well as discover species currently appearing nearby through a real-time insect map. These insights encourage awareness of patterns, cycles, and environmental change, grounding learning in lived experience rather than abstraction.
Discovery within EntoPedia is cumulative and transparent. When a user records an insect that has not previously been documented in a specific area—such as the first local sighting of a butterfly species—the record is marked accordingly. Subsequent observations retain a visible reference to that initial discovery, acknowledging early observers and reinforcing the idea that knowledge is built collectively over time.
Through wearable interaction and shared digital records, EntoPedia reframes collection as documentation—inviting users to notice the beauty of the insect world, record it thoughtfully, and participate in an evolving exchange of observation, education, and respect.