Here is our Feedback Assignment.
Here is our Hours split on the open house.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Week 8: Open House!
The open house was a blast, Team 22 really pulled it together to create a good looking display (pictures below) despite our poster having been printed with the wrong font.
The prototype was polished first with emery cloth (to remove all the burrs) then sandpaper (600, 400, 200 and then 120) and finally was polished with Brasso.
We had 2 laptops on our display table, one had a slide show going with several different 3D renders of our centerpiece (appearance model) and one had our flash interface (computer simulation) that users could interact with. The physical model was also on the table as well as our higher fidelity paper model. The physical model had a speaker in it as well as the wireless leaf that was attached to the surrounding wall. The users could control the interface which controlled the music that could be heard through the speakers.
All of the comments can be found Here
Summary of comments:
- The audience wanted more control over the music (equalizer).
- The audience really liked the shape and the look of it.
- Concerns that the target market is too narrow.
- There is already established brands which people recognize as "hi-fi" systems and speakers
- The audience wanted to be able to hook up their own playlists to the system
The prototype was polished first with emery cloth (to remove all the burrs) then sandpaper (600, 400, 200 and then 120) and finally was polished with Brasso.
We had 2 laptops on our display table, one had a slide show going with several different 3D renders of our centerpiece (appearance model) and one had our flash interface (computer simulation) that users could interact with. The physical model was also on the table as well as our higher fidelity paper model. The physical model had a speaker in it as well as the wireless leaf that was attached to the surrounding wall. The users could control the interface which controlled the music that could be heard through the speakers.
All of the comments can be found Here
Summary of comments:
- The audience wanted more control over the music (equalizer).
- The audience really liked the shape and the look of it.
- Concerns that the target market is too narrow.
- There is already established brands which people recognize as "hi-fi" systems and speakers
- The audience wanted to be able to hook up their own playlists to the system
Week 7: Mid-Term Presentation
Our Mid-Term Presentation can be found Here. During the Mid-Term presentation we presented a flash interface and higher fidelity paper prototype, we also demonstrated the wireless technology and showed how the speaker/leafs will work.
The Flash interface can be found Here
On the weekend, we managed to get the centerpiece built out of Galvanized Steel. It will need a lot of work to polish it.
The Flash interface can be found Here
On the weekend, we managed to get the centerpiece built out of Galvanized Steel. It will need a lot of work to polish it.
Week 5 & 6: Poster-Time
Our final poster for the open house can be found Here.
We have started thinking about our prototype and have talked to Ken about it. He mentions that he will talk to some contacts that he knows so we can get a better idea of how we should build the main centerpiece. We have also ordered some parts off ebay that we will be using for the project.
We have started thinking about our prototype and have talked to Ken about it. He mentions that he will talk to some contacts that he knows so we can get a better idea of how we should build the main centerpiece. We have also ordered some parts off ebay that we will be using for the project.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Assignment 3
The Complete Alpha Cognitive Walkthrough document can be found Here. It includes: Cover Form, Feedback Form, Problem Report Form
1) A description of the prototype of the system:
During our presentation in week 7 we hope to have some sort of physical prototype (might even be as low fidelity as David's model) that will have the interface embedded into it. The goal of it is to test the physical interactions that the users will have with the system. The prototype will have wire exposed to allow the user to hook their iPod up to the system and will allow the user to use the interface found on our interface slide of our final presentation last semester. We've designed it in a way that the buttons are layed out in the same order as many of the VCR's, Sound Systems and MP3 players have in order to offer enough affordance.
2) A description of the task the user is to perform on the system:
The user will have to successfully hook their iPod up to the centerpiece and play their songs by using the interface embedded into the device and then adjust the volume of it.
1) A description of the prototype of the system:
During our presentation in week 7 we hope to have some sort of physical prototype (might even be as low fidelity as David's model) that will have the interface embedded into it. The goal of it is to test the physical interactions that the users will have with the system. The prototype will have wire exposed to allow the user to hook their iPod up to the system and will allow the user to use the interface found on our interface slide of our final presentation last semester. We've designed it in a way that the buttons are layed out in the same order as many of the VCR's, Sound Systems and MP3 players have in order to offer enough affordance.
2) A description of the task the user is to perform on the system:
The user will have to successfully hook their iPod up to the centerpiece and play their songs by using the interface embedded into the device and then adjust the volume of it.
3) Complete list of actions:
- Ensure the centerpiece is plugged in and that your iPod is not locked.
- Take your iPod and connect it to the connector on the centerpiece.
- Locate the play button/glyph and press it.
- Locate the volume slider on the centerpiece and adjust the volume.
4) Indication of who the users are and what kind of experience and knowledge the evaluators can assume about them:
The users have a classy nature about them, we can assume that they've had experience in using an mp3 player / vcr / stereo system beforehand.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Week 2 Assignment
Word Document can be found Here
Prototype Option:
Team 22 has a couple options that they could ultimately end up with. Because our design is heavily weighted on the look and feel of the project, we feel best if we choose an option that has an appearance model to showcase its visual aspects. In a perfect world we’d accompany the appearance model with a working model but in a secondary scenario we could represent the functionality with a computer simulation.
Feasibility Study:
Depending on what option we choose to go with the technical requirements vary. If we can manage to make a working model then we will have to use Arduino or Phidget (to control the sensors) + the respective software and most likely Max/Msp. Based on the instructor’s feedback this upcoming lab we will choose whether or not a microcontroller is the way to go.
If we do incorporate an Arduino into the project it will most likely be controlling an iPod controller which then has an FM transmitter attached to it. The FM transmitter will then communicate with the Radio Receivers inside the speaker leaves. Matt has the most experience with Arduino on the team and would have to dedicate the majority of his time to figuring it out, while the rest of the team works on physical prototyping and other technical needs. We do have access to Max/Msp and Arduino.
However, considering the technical skill requirements and time constraints, if the microcontroller is not an economical solution then we’ll program the entire interface using Flash in which Matt and Daniel have experience with.
As for the wireless design we will use a wireless powerbar similar to something found on (http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/wec.shtml).
For the physical design we will most likely be using a moldable plastic that we can heat and bend to represent the glass.
For clarities sake:
Software Issues:
What software could be involved:
A: Max Msp / Arduino / Flash.
Are there any technical obstacles?
A: Could be hard to program using Arduino, flash will most likely be an easier solution.
Can we do it?
A: More viable using flash than using arduino, but then could run the risk of having the interactions that we originally came up with change.
What are the options?
A: Software options include either using Flash to program it, using the microcontroller’s software to control the microcontroller or using Max/Msp to control the microcontroller.
Do we have access to the software applications?
A: Yes we do, they are either installed in the labs at school or are obtainable.
Hardware Issues:
What hardware could be involved?
A: Arduino / Phidget / Wireless powerbar / FM Transmitter / iPod remote / Ipod / Heavy plastic / Wires / Sensors / Radio receivers / Plastic film
Are there any technical obstacles?
A: Could be hard to meld the plastic for our physical piece, we will likely have to inquire at hardware stores how it can be done.
Can we do it?
A: I think we can build a physical prototype considering the resources we have.
What are the options?
A: I think we’ve made our design easy enough that we don’t really need a second option.
Do we need any special parts? Can we afford them? Can we get them in time?
A: Everything “special” we need is already available to us, other than ordering the powerbar online there should be much delay between considering what to buy and buying it. We will make this thing affordable, and considering we don’t have to buy a course text book this will make up for it.
Plan for Creating the Prototype:
How much time is available to build the system?
A: we do have about 11 weeks to build our sound system. With in these weeks, we do have to consider the material, the compatibility, design, etc. when it comes to actually start building the device, the estimated time would be around week 8 to 9
When can it be build?
A: As we mentioned above, hopefully the actual device is going to be built within 3 to 4 weeks. We should be finished be the end of week 12 or beginning of week 13.
Number of resources and any dependencies required
A: For the material, we are going to use less expensive materials such as plastic to represent the glass. We do need to find a way to curve the plastics. Metal and wood could also be used for the bottom. Mini speakers are required for the device as well; hopefully we will be able to find it in the market. We do have to steer apart a speaker just to see how everything connected to each other, and also figure out the wireless speakers as well. Interviews with experts are needed to avoid possible mistakes and gain experience within the field. One of our biggest concerns now is budget, since the materials and resources needed are considered to be expensive; we have to try to cut down our budget as much as possible.
Who will actually do it?
A: Matthew and Daniel will be mainly in charge of the building of the prototype, they have experiences and background within the field. Jody is an expert with providing design and technical information, she always have the latest update on technological devices. Karen Judy and David will be in charge of the interface design, and they will also help Daniel and Matthew to gather materials and building the device.
Do we have a back-up plan for contingency?
A: Up until now, we do not have a clear back-up plan, the only thing is that if one of the functions does not work, we will try to work on the main function and ignore the details. We will try to make our interface work first since interaction is what we are looking for. We will also ask our TAs for help since they are more familiar with the design process.
Prototype Option:
Team 22 has a couple options that they could ultimately end up with. Because our design is heavily weighted on the look and feel of the project, we feel best if we choose an option that has an appearance model to showcase its visual aspects. In a perfect world we’d accompany the appearance model with a working model but in a secondary scenario we could represent the functionality with a computer simulation.
Feasibility Study:
Depending on what option we choose to go with the technical requirements vary. If we can manage to make a working model then we will have to use Arduino or Phidget (to control the sensors) + the respective software and most likely Max/Msp. Based on the instructor’s feedback this upcoming lab we will choose whether or not a microcontroller is the way to go.
If we do incorporate an Arduino into the project it will most likely be controlling an iPod controller which then has an FM transmitter attached to it. The FM transmitter will then communicate with the Radio Receivers inside the speaker leaves. Matt has the most experience with Arduino on the team and would have to dedicate the majority of his time to figuring it out, while the rest of the team works on physical prototyping and other technical needs. We do have access to Max/Msp and Arduino.
However, considering the technical skill requirements and time constraints, if the microcontroller is not an economical solution then we’ll program the entire interface using Flash in which Matt and Daniel have experience with.
As for the wireless design we will use a wireless powerbar similar to something found on (http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/wec.shtml).
For the physical design we will most likely be using a moldable plastic that we can heat and bend to represent the glass.
For clarities sake:
Software Issues:
What software could be involved:
A: Max Msp / Arduino / Flash.
Are there any technical obstacles?
A: Could be hard to program using Arduino, flash will most likely be an easier solution.
Can we do it?
A: More viable using flash than using arduino, but then could run the risk of having the interactions that we originally came up with change.
What are the options?
A: Software options include either using Flash to program it, using the microcontroller’s software to control the microcontroller or using Max/Msp to control the microcontroller.
Do we have access to the software applications?
A: Yes we do, they are either installed in the labs at school or are obtainable.
Hardware Issues:
What hardware could be involved?
A: Arduino / Phidget / Wireless powerbar / FM Transmitter / iPod remote / Ipod / Heavy plastic / Wires / Sensors / Radio receivers / Plastic film
Are there any technical obstacles?
A: Could be hard to meld the plastic for our physical piece, we will likely have to inquire at hardware stores how it can be done.
Can we do it?
A: I think we can build a physical prototype considering the resources we have.
What are the options?
A: I think we’ve made our design easy enough that we don’t really need a second option.
Do we need any special parts? Can we afford them? Can we get them in time?
A: Everything “special” we need is already available to us, other than ordering the powerbar online there should be much delay between considering what to buy and buying it. We will make this thing affordable, and considering we don’t have to buy a course text book this will make up for it.
Plan for Creating the Prototype:
How much time is available to build the system?
A: we do have about 11 weeks to build our sound system. With in these weeks, we do have to consider the material, the compatibility, design, etc. when it comes to actually start building the device, the estimated time would be around week 8 to 9
When can it be build?
A: As we mentioned above, hopefully the actual device is going to be built within 3 to 4 weeks. We should be finished be the end of week 12 or beginning of week 13.
Number of resources and any dependencies required
A: For the material, we are going to use less expensive materials such as plastic to represent the glass. We do need to find a way to curve the plastics. Metal and wood could also be used for the bottom. Mini speakers are required for the device as well; hopefully we will be able to find it in the market. We do have to steer apart a speaker just to see how everything connected to each other, and also figure out the wireless speakers as well. Interviews with experts are needed to avoid possible mistakes and gain experience within the field. One of our biggest concerns now is budget, since the materials and resources needed are considered to be expensive; we have to try to cut down our budget as much as possible.
Who will actually do it?
A: Matthew and Daniel will be mainly in charge of the building of the prototype, they have experiences and background within the field. Jody is an expert with providing design and technical information, she always have the latest update on technological devices. Karen Judy and David will be in charge of the interface design, and they will also help Daniel and Matthew to gather materials and building the device.
Do we have a back-up plan for contingency?
A: Up until now, we do not have a clear back-up plan, the only thing is that if one of the functions does not work, we will try to work on the main function and ignore the details. We will try to make our interface work first since interaction is what we are looking for. We will also ask our TAs for help since they are more familiar with the design process.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
First Week of the New Semester
After much deliberation Dan has decided to follow through with this course.
That being said, here is our Technical Resource List:
And here is our updated Gantt chart:
Download here
That being said, here is our Technical Resource List:
And here is our updated Gantt chart:
Download here
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