Module 1 Activity Research

Weekly Activity Template

Abigael De La Rosa

Project 1

Module 1

Activity 1:

In this first activity, we explored Arduino boards for the first time using simple sketches provided to us in class, together with wires, LEDs, resistors, and buttons. We modified codes to control the speed and timing of the blinking LEDs, and added in new electronic components onto the breadboard as part of our experimentation.

Activity 2:

This time, we explored how we can bring digital prototypes to life with real data sent from Arduino boards. Using ProtoPie Studio and Connect, and the ProtoPie Player app, we were able to see live updates to the sensor readings right on our phones. This activity also showed us various possibilities with the Arduino Sensor Kit if we are to take the Design Path for Project 1.

Activity 3:

In this third activity, we continued exploring different possibilities with Arduino, this time connecting it to TouchDesigner. Adding on to what we learned in the previous activity (e.g. using the Serial Monitor to ensure that communication was established between our computer and the Arduino board), we were introduced to TouchDesigner's interface and its many operators. Much like what we did with ProtoPie, we used the Sensor Kit once again to control/change the properties of objects displayed on TouchDesigner.

Activity 1

<b>Testing the Arduino Uno for the first time</b><br>To do this, we used the sample Blink sketch from the Arduino IDE library. The LED was connected to Pin 13 and GND, and after uploading the sketch successfully, the LED blinks, looping 1-second on and 1-second off.

<b>Using a breadboard</b><br>Using the same Blink sketch, this time we inserted the LED into a breadboard, which we then connected to the Arduino using wires.

<b>Adding in a resistor</b><br>Here we shifted the voltage from 5V to 3.3V using a 200 Ohm resistor, connecting it to the same LED and wires we used earlier.

<b>Adding in an extra LED</b><br>We experimented further by adding in an extra set of LED, resistor, and wires. The code within the Blink sketch was modified to make the pink & green LEDs blink alternately (both have a 1-second delay between blinks).

<b>Using a button</b><br>Using a different code provided to us in class, this sketch allows the user to push a button to turn on the LED. This type of button allows the user to press and hold it to keep the LED on for a set duration.

Activity 2

Using the Serial Monitor tool within the Arduino IDE to read sensor data sent from the Arduino Sensor Kit

Running the Temperature/Humidity ProtoPie file provided to us in class and testing the prototype on our own phones

Just like the Serial Monitor tool, ProtoPie Connect allowed us to read the sensor data being sent from the Arduino Sensor Kit. At the same time, the ProtoPie Player app on our phones displayed updates to the temperature & humidity values in real-time.

Turning the knob/dial of the potentiometer and watching the dial display on the ProtoPie Player app update in real-time

Testing the Makey Makey ProtoPie file provided to us in class

Activity 3

Connecting the provided TouchDesigner project file to the Arduino Serial

Turning the knob/dial of the potentiometer and watching the circle grow/shrink in real-time

Exploring TouchDesigner's interface and learning about the various operators

During this activity, I encountered errors (e.g. the sphere not appearing on the Editor Window) and various issues within TouchDesigner. While I was able to fix this later, TouchDesigner became non-responsive on my laptop and I could not close the OP Dialog boxes that appeared on-screen. I wanted to include this in this activity as it is an issue I might need to keep my eye on if I choose to do the Art Path for Projects 2 & 3.

Using a 3D object (in this case, a sphere) to attach the Serial data to, with the goal of changing its properties (e.g. size, gradient) using the Arduino Sensor Kit

Research Activity

WGSN Consumer Trend Research

Exploring the categories Society: We and Me and Industry: Protective and Open, from WGSN's Home Tech 2027 list

A description of the two categories and examples of products that fall under each category

Statistics that affected my choice of categories

Witherwill, or the longing to be free from responsibilities, as the main emotional state of the category <i>Society: We and Me</i>. This emotion will be driven by consumers feeling lonely and overwhelmed, and will guide them towards their aspirational emotions of feeling more carefree and curious.

WGSN Personas Research

Exploring the persona groups The Conventionalists and The Energisers, from WGSN's Personas 2027: Consumer Tech list

A description of the two persona groups, their generational impacts, and their behaviours, buying priorities, and actions

Examples of products under the persona <i>The Conventionalists</i>

Examples of products under the persona <i>The Energisers</i>

HMI Research

Constructing How Might I (HMI) statements that stem from real problems and insights, keeping them focused on the goal but open enough to spark a range of creative ideas

Identifying problem spaces for the category <i>Society: We and Me</i> and formulating HMI statements for these issues

Identifying problem spaces for the category <i>Industry: Protective and Open</i> and formulating HMI statements for these issues

Business and design strategies identified by WGSN for the 6 STEPIC categories, which also contributed to my development of the HMI statements

Project Path

Deciding on the project path for Projects 2 & 3

Choosing the Design Path over the Art Path and my reasoning behind this decision

Choosing to work collaboratively over working individually and my reasoning behind this decision

Ideating concepts and possible directions for the next two projects based on my research

Project 1 Concept

Combining the category Industry: Protective and Open with the persona group The Conventionalists, the concept I developed is of a product that draws on nostalgic elements while providing intuitive modern functionality and/or digital interactions. In this concept, aspects of nostalgia such as tactile experiences and aesthetics are meant to be meaningful and purposeful instead of purely decorative.

Below is the sketch I made of a sample assistive technology for people with dementia. This smart radio with a retro aesthetic has bluetooth capabilities and a digital interface with high visual contrast; however, it also has familiar physical elements such as knobs, dials, and buttons (a single button on the top can be left visible for ease of use and to reduce cognitive overload). This product is designed to help trigger memories and provide comfort in people with dementia.

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