On Friday, our team presented our Quarterly Update. We demonstrated our prototype’s progress to the faculty and received valuable feedback that we’ll incorporate as we move forward with the project. There were some questions regarding the setting and narrative of our project.
(Slides of our Quarter Presentation)
Here’s more detail and information about the Quarter:
We showcased our project at a presentation, focusing on a location-based experience for the Fall semester ETC Festival. Our project involves sensory augmentation devices meant for body wear and interactive living environments.
Prototype Exploration:
Our team initially spent four weeks experimenting with various devices.
We plan to finalize 2-3 main interactions or devices that make for a compelling experience.
Demonstrated Devices:
Whisker: An ultrasonic device placed on the palm and ankles to detect proximity to objects, useful in visually challenging environments.
Thermal Camera: A camera capable of detecting heat signatures, allowing users to see thermal trails left by warm objects on colder surfaces.
Telekinesis Prototype: A device that enables the user to control objects (like lights and fans) from a distance.
Arduino Communication: The team aims to make the individual devices communicate with each other wirelessly. Demonstrated a simple remote light on/off switch.
Narrative Experience:
Our team is considering the following settings:
- A cybernetic organism designed to explore and interact in deep space.
- A future Earth, where humans need technological support due to severe climate changes.
- A setting where the guest interacts with invisible entities or environments.
- Devices like the proximity sensor will be integrated into the narrative, giving stakes to user interactions, such as avoiding radioactive elements.
Feedback and Challenges:
We were encouraged to integrate the devices into a cohesive and logical narrative.
Recommendations included making the environment familiar and relatable to users.
Suggestions also touched upon potential real-world applications, like using the thermal device for police work or to detect hidden creatures, using the historical context of previous technologies, and drawing inspirations from comics and literature.
Closing Thoughts:
There was a consensus on the need for clearer direction and more concrete ideas.
The challenge of getting users physically engaged with the devices was acknowledged.
There were concerns around robustness of our “home-made” wearable devices for the Fall Festival. It might be a question of having multiple spare devices, or purchasing off-the-shelf products.
Team Bonding:
We head out for team bonding after Quarters on Friday! We had a great dinner in a restaurant in Squirrel Hill.