{"id":338,"date":"2026-02-26T20:13:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T20:13:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/?p=338"},"modified":"2026-03-30T22:52:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T22:52:20","slug":"week-6-mechanic-iterations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/week-6-mechanic-iterations\/","title":{"rendered":"Week 6 &#8211; Iterations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-mdm-large-font-size wp-elements-b12a7b12cd55877f0dd08fe45ed7d2dd\"><strong>This Week\u2019s Goals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-small-font-size wp-elements-801be47b7832c498776a77c18cbf8733\">In Week 6, we focused on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" class=\"wp-block-list has-base-2-color has-contrast-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-small-font-size wp-elements-5b3ee6ed9f82d83e01eb846642e2901b\">\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Iterating two welding mechanics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Implementing safety and feedback systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Adding SFX and UI elements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-base-2-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-base-2-background-color has-background is-style-dots\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mechanic Iterations<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Safety &amp; Immersion<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"223\" src=\"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WeldMaskDemoV1.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-476\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-sml-medium-font-size wp-elements-900ae7ab1b89458a3d8813ea4eaf0f55\">We implemented a <strong>functional welding helmet<\/strong> that players physically pull down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-sml-medium-font-size wp-elements-ee9032b4abb9e278fc162bf1300fc007\">When worn, an <strong>auto-darkening feature<\/strong> activates to simulate real protection. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"222\" src=\"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WeldingFlashDemoV1.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-477\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e1dbf2ab658272e896ad1dcdd94b20f1\">Attempting to weld without the helmet triggers a<strong> flash-blindness effec<\/strong>t and impacts the player\u2019s safety score, reinforcing real-world consequences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Slower Welding Through Metaballs<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-sml-medium-font-size wp-elements-47bdfee4b6b6302a3c64633ded7de9fe\">To address pacing, we implemented a <strong>metaball-based welding system<\/strong>, which helps players intuitively understand proper pacing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/halfbuild_weld_1.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-576\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-sml-medium-font-size\">Players must remain in an area briefly for a weld bead to form.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-sml-medium-font-size\">Moving too fast results in separated blobs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-sml-medium-font-size wp-elements-425cbf34173133c93041b4a0589fcdfc\">Correct speed produces a smooth, continuous weld line.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-sml-medium-font-size wp-elements-9a0406912efff5c4a3edd1f85aa7f80b\">Staying too long causes excessive buildup.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Visual &amp; Audio Feedback<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-sml-medium-font-size wp-elements-c3cb2a3c450e6458cce3b1f21aba89b3\">We enhanced real-time evaluation through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"189\" src=\"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SparkVFXV1-1.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-480\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2.1165770979743694;width:446px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-sml-medium-font-size\"><strong>Unity VFX Graph sparks simulation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-sml-medium-font-size\">A projected mission board from the player\u2019s wrist displaying progress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-sml-medium-font-size\">Dynamic welding audio cues that indicate success or failure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-base-2-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-base-2-background-color has-background is-style-dots\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3D Assets and Environments<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-sml-medium-font-size wp-elements-b24e7bae5d939429f7ef9d72e2109d9d\">We continued developing key welding assets, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-sml-medium-font-size\"><strong>Welding machine &amp; torch<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-sml-medium-font-size\"><strong>Welding booth block-out<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-sml-medium-font-size\"><strong>Environmental components<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" src=\"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3D-1-1024x575.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3D-1-1024x575.png 1024w, https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3D-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3D-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3D-1-1536x863.png 1536w, https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3D-1.png 1657w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This Week\u2019s Goals In Week 6, we focused on: Mechanic Iterations 1. Safety &amp; Immersion We implemented a functional welding helmet that players physically pull down. When worn, an auto-darkening feature activates to simulate real protection. Attempting to weld without the helmet triggers a flash-blindness effect and impacts the player\u2019s safety score, reinforcing real-world consequences. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":658,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-338","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-preproduction"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/338","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=338"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/338\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":659,"href":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/338\/revisions\/659"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=338"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=338"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/sparksmith-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=338"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}