<set-up> For the experiment I wrote a program that combines light, movement and sound. For the hardware I used the Neopixel ring, the HC-SR04 sensor (ultrasonic sensor measures the distance to an object by emitting ultrasonic sound waves and converting the reflected sound into an electrical signal) and the FC-04 sensor (uses a microphone that picks up the sound input and provides digital (ON/OFF) output). In the end I didn’t use the FC-04 sensor because there was too much ambient noise during the Maker Fair to take measurements. In the command screen of the Raspberry the program wrote the distance and the light signal. I copied this data.
<challenges> The integration and synchronization between the different functions is a challenge, the program must simultaneously send a light signal, receive the sensor data and control the servo motor for the movement. I’m learning more and more about writing definitions that I can ‘call up’ and ‘activate’ in the program at a later time. My biggest challenge is coming up with methods to store the data efficiently and extract valuable insights from it.
<adaptations during Maker Faire>
- Invert the rest/stress state of the prototype to test differences in engagement.
- Adjusting the timing of the ‘approachable’ prototype to reduce the waiting time for ‘loading’ and test the visitor’s patience.
- The more or less dividing of the trigger distance and connected actions.
- Investigating the influence of the viewing order by moving the prototypes.
<observations>
- Carrying out sound experiments depends on the right conditions; excessive ambient noise hinders effectiveness. In the future I will have to think more site-specifically when designing the interactions.
- Light is an effective tool to indicate activity and visually guide participants.
- Visitors often prefer the strongest reaction and often return for a second round if they are shocked.
- When visitors encounter “non-functional” prototypes or when the prototype stops “cooperating” mid-interaction, they try to solve the “problem” by physically searching for an “on” button, which leads to damage to the electronics such as a broken sensor.
- Filming visitor reactions disrupted the visitors’ interaction, setting up a tripod had the same effect. It is best to place the camera concealed, as there is a risk that visitors will often obstruct the view of the camera.
- The method for collecting measurement data was not effective enough.
<next> interconnectivity, data and site-specific.
Interconnectivity, I can let the Raspberries communicate with each other and thus create a ripple effect in the prototypes, for example. Sensor data, storing and processing the data. During my Raspberry study I did an exercise with storing and processing data from bicycle sheds in Utrecht. I want to test this method to save my data in the future
Under this post you will find an overview of categories. Select ‘Research & Development, CBK Rotterdam’ for an overview of all publications written during my work period.
