My bright idea sheds light on days in sun

The wristband, created by student Andrew O'Dowd, monitors the amount of UV light children have been exposed to.

Called SunPoints, the device can be plugged into a games console, where a points system will calculate whether the user has experienced a good or bad amount of natural light.

It is intended to encourage children aged between eight and 14 to get a healthy dose of UV light, which prompts the production of vitamin D.

Mr O'Dowd, an Edinburgh Napier University postgraduate student, said he hoped it was a fun and informative way for young people to stay healthy.

The 26-year-old, from Polwarth, said: "The idea behind it was to incorporate existing technology in a way that could be useful to people.

"The sensors monitor how long you've been outside and this is calculated into points. When inside, you plug it into a games console and find out if you've had a good or bad level of UV. You're meant to get at least 20 minutes of direct sunlight every day to generate a good level of vitamin D.

"The UV sensors already existed, but it gives off a signal to go indoors once you've had enough sunlight"

Mr O'Dowd, who studied a masters in Interaction Design, is now hopeful that a company might develop his product. He said: "This was a project for my degree, which I've been working on since February. It would be good to make it into necklaces and other useful things, too.

"I think the points system could also be developed into a game where perhaps kids can unlock games or characters, or they could compare their levels via a Facebook app."

The new wristband can be set to different time limits, depending on the needs of the wearer.

Chris Hand, programme leader for Interaction Design at Edinburgh Napier, said: "Andrew's wristband addresses a very topical issue, and illustrates how design can take on an important social challenge like changing the behaviour of young people."