Making Toys

Updates from April, 2012 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  naterudolph 10:48 pm on April 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

  FishFreedom Thesis Draft 

  A few thesis statement drafts:

  FishFreedom is a device that gives pet fish mobility.

  FishFreedom is a device that gives pet fish the ability to move their own environment.

  FishFreedom is a response to the shackled nature of a traditional aquarium, giving pet fish the ability to control the movements of their environment.

  FishFreedom is a device modeled after the “Hampster Ball” that gives fish the ability to traverse across a room.

  REVISION:
  FishFreedom is a mobile platform that allows a pet fish to control his movements across a room.

  ———
  Using a webcam with color tracking software to provide navigation, two servo motors drive a vehicle that houses the fish tank and power supply. The webcam provides a constant feed of where the fish is located in the tank and drives the fish in the appropriate direction, giving the fish the ability to decide the direction and speed of the vehicle’s movements.

  ———

  Big finding 1: Capturing the exact angle and movements of the fish’s position in the tank really isn’t as important as having smooth motion. Just seeing it move back and forward was such a magical kind of movement, enough that I didn’t even remember that I had wanted it to be precisely accurate.
  Big finding 2: Getting the servo motors to work synchronously was much more difficult than I had assumed it would be. Through a series of several rebuilds of the car I’ve tried to realign the wheels and secure them with hot glue, but I still have had trouble getting them to match each others momentum. As far as I can tell it must be a mechanical issue, because I feed both motors the exact same code and yet one wheel always seems to be dominate and cause a turn when I try to do a straight line. Lately I’ve been trying to correct this via the code, and I think I’ve finally found a sweet spot that gives me a moderately straight line over the span of a few feet.

  ———

  AirSwimmers: (Similar in that I’m trying to mimic the movements of fish. Different because I’m using an actual fish.) For a future iteration I’d like to build in a system that could actually emulate the swaying motion of fish’s fins.

  HamsterBall: The main precedent because I went into the project wanting to make essentially the same thing only with a fish.

  Project413: A hamster ball with a hacked motor system that allows wireless control of a mobile sphere.
   

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  mikesusol 10:46 pm on April 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

  WagerBall Thesis Draft 

  Thesis Sentence draft 01: This project will be a mashup of a traditional mechanical tabletop game that explores the boundaries of wagering and transactional socialization by utilizing real-time digital feedback.

  Thesis Sentence draft 02: Wagerball is a tabletop soccer penalty kick game (in the tradition of foosball) that uses various digital sensors to track, log and report gameplay status and scores.

  Thesis Paragraph draft 01: This project will use a Soccer penalty kick scenario to invite player interactions. Allowing players to “commit” to a “bet” via a third party application and using digital feedback directly related to the outcomes will create an opportunity to observe the social patterns of wagering with digital funds vs. real world cash. Will players feel compelled to bet more money at a higher frequency once they have the ability to complete a transaction online using digital currency, coins or other rewards or will they choose to use discretion as if they were playing with real money? This is a question I hope to answer after watching players interact with my project.

  List 3 “big findings” that came out of the evolution of your prototypes: 1) The mechanical elements need to be scaled properly to ensure fairness in the play experience, specifically for the goal keeper. 2) Asking the defender to change the arm positions of the goal keeper prior to the penalty kick adds an element of chance. 3) Adding a “shot clock” increases the pressure on the shooter and simulates the stress of a real penalty kick situation.

  List 3 differences between your work and that of prior art: 1) My project combines mechanical gameplay with digital sensing whereas most tabletop games encourage purely physical play. 2) My project connects chance, skill and digital wagering. 3) My project can be configured and presented as a DIY project.

  •••••••••••••••

  5 Questions I would Ask the Perfect Guest Critic:

  1. How could I improve the form factor of my project?

  2. Do you think I should allow the defender to move the goalies arms up and down in real time?

  3. Do you know anything about wagering and gambling laws and regulations in the United States and abroad?

  4. How could you see this being played? By what age group and in what environment?

  5. Do you like the simple retro sounds and gameplay mechanics or should I strive for more realism (e.g. chanting crowds, music)

  I would love to get feedback on the playability of my game and my exploration of wagering dynamics.
   
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  christopherkoelsch 10:40 pm on April 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

  A Voyeuristic Journey that weaves a narrative around… 

  “A Voyeuristic Journey that weaves a narrative around the form of a house.”  The user becomes a/the voyeur  by peering inside windows of a house wrapped with allusions to an historical happening/crime.  By sequentially peering/entering the front door, the voyeur tries to catch a glimpse of its moving inhabitant all the while having her protest about being watched.  The narrative is flipped at the conclusion as the user/voyeur becomes the victim.  Which windows/path the voyeur will need to follow be indicated  by exterior lighting.

  1.  Do you feel this project takes you anywhere in terms of a narrative/how is the structure of the narrative?

  2. What is the experience you feel from this project?

  3.  Do you feel the facade is superfluous/”been done”/too indulgent?

  4. What do you feel about the interactivity’s effectiveness?

  5. **What do you think of the construction?
   
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  asabh36 10:29 pm on March 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

  AdamSabh_Midterm_Journal_1 

  Here is a link to my inspiration:

  http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2010-08/02/heart-chamber-orchestra

  Known Challenges/Unknown Challenges

  My midterm started with a rough patch. The pulse sensor I received wasn’t of the best caliber. I believed the problem was that the sensor was sending bad signals to the processing sketch. After discussing the problem with Yuri one evening after class I was given an extra pulse sensor to see if that was what was going wrong. The signals I was getting became stronger and the resemblance of a heart beat started to become clearer. However, it took me quite a while to troubleshoot the remaining disturbance in the signal.

  I knew that getting the clearest signal would be tough, but I didn’t think for it to be a piece of equipment that was skewing my data. My steps went from simplifying wiring, to splitting up the equipment’s wiring to separate breadboards, to replacing all pieces with backup parts, to replacement of arduino, to a complete reiteration of coding.

  My project means to be an ambient LED display reader of ones heartbeat while listening to various music genres. Although the audio…. to be continued

  Easter Egg Experiences? Came upon a jewel of information

  Not all equipment should be taken for granted. I expect the equipment to be working at the highest level when in reality I paid a minor sum for it, and in return received the quality I paid for.
   
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  naterudolph 10:29 pm on March 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

  Nate Rudolph's Midterm Journal Entry 1 

  I set out to create some sort of exercise tool with the pulse sensor. I’m still waiting on an accelerometer to begin piecing the project together, but I’ve begun the code and wiring diagrams to start sketching out how it will work.

  

  These components will be fit inside a ball with the LEDs in a line following one axis. The goal of the object is for the user to orient the ball according to a set LED by tilting to make that LED face upward. The rate at which the LEDs change will be determined by the pulse sensor that it attached to the side of the ball.

  My original concept was to implement this into a large weighted medicine ball, but as I sketched out a storyboard, I thought it would allow for a longer and more interesting interaction by having two hand held balls that interact with each other as the user progresses through the exercise.
   
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  mikesusol 10:28 pm on March 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

  Mike Susol’s Midterm Journal Entry 1 

  While developing my mid-term project (name TBD) I was met with a few challenges. The first challenge was to come up with an idea that fit within my coding skill-set and budget. Since this pause of the project is exploratory, there was a certain leap of faith on my part so I could order my electronics from Sparkfun and source materials from other vendors. My goal is to design a stuffed robot “toy” that uses feedback from an embedded pulse sensor to control embedded LEDs in the shape of a heart. The concept is that the “robot” (through a series of pulse control tests) wants to be convinced that you are human. It was difficult to configure the size of the robot without all of the parts in my possession. Working from the dimensions provided online I could reverse engineer the first prototype. Once I get all of the actual parts, I’m sure that I’ll be making modifications as needed. The choice to order my fabric from Spoonflower early was a huge help and the quality of the printed fabric was a pleasant surprise.
   
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  christopherkoelsch 10:28 pm on March 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

  “Appointment With Death” – Journal Entry #1 

  Known challenges are the building of the physical structure itself.  I was a bit apprehensive as to the time that will have to be devoted to the wood-gluing and parts assembly itself.  I didn’t want this project to be about the physical look entirely of the building.   Concerned with the circuitry (and what I’m here to learn), I wanted to spend more time on code, wiring, etc.  Yet the physical ediface of the building is pretty cool.

  I’m also thinking about the outcome of the project.  If the user doesn’t have the stimulus needed, the project stands still.  It is possible that any user’s heart rate will not increase — and thus the “crescendo” of the project will not arrive.  Certain stimuli may have to be brought in to test the project to increase heartrate amongst users.

  I’m concerned with the code — as are most people.  I wanted to use an mp3 shield but way waylaid due to its cost (the project consists of a soundtrack — so during presentation I may just present with a soundtrack).

  However, I feel satisfied with the solidity of the idea and it fits in with my aesthetic w/ set design/goth/ ideas.  I also built the project with the mini-thesis of Charles Dickens in my mind:  running around Dickens’ head juxtaposed with a Dickensian house idea.
   
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  Yury Gitman 3:30 pm on April 17, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  Myriam – What unexpected things happened when you created your design Files? 

  While creating my design file for the "hugging bear, I realized how complex my simple project was. 

  The rough idea on paper was becoming more and more concrete: I had to plan the size of the bear, the materials, what motors and how they were connected. I wanted my bear to have a conductive fabric on its belly to trigger the motors in the arms.

  But when I was thinking about all these facts, I figured out that I thought the idea of the bear was fun, but just fun. I didn't want to make it because I felt my concept wasn't strong enough and I didn't have enough time to make it as I wanted to in the short time frame we had to make this project.

  My bear needed several prototypes and user testings to have a good and human feeling of "hugg".

  Most of all, I wanted to make a project that people would actually use. And I was looking for better ways to use capacitance sensing.

  During this process, I got to a contemporary dancing performance. The two dancers danced without sound, and they used a microphone in their mouth to enhance their own sound while performing. I went to see them after the show and talked to them about other ways to play with their own sound as music.

  I am going to meet them in the next days to figured out new ways for performing with sensors in their costumes and how we can play with their theme. And see how their dancing will evolve as well with the integrated sensors.
   
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  Yury Gitman 3:23 pm on April 17, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  Detailed Sketch & Unexpected Logisitcs 

  Usually I try to think about what all will be necessary to build a model or product as I sketch them out.  There have been a few changes to my Nester the Baby Lockness Monster. 

  1. The motor I hacked for this project seems a little to big and bulky.  The distance the motor travels from the hacked motor is too short in comparison to how much space it occupies. The toys fins would not travel very far assuming how large the toy would become because of this point.

  2. The mechanics of the toy are much more complicated that I had expected.  Moving 4 stuff animal appendages with one motor requires a certain amount of engineering that I am unprepared to do in a 3 week period.  Anything that I would create would suffer several issues like 1. being to fragile 2. moving parts 3. fabrication

  3. The color sensor I wanted to use [ to make my toy swim when recognizing the color blue] adds way too much complication to the toy.  Also I don't think this add very much to the toy or concept to make it a worth while endeavor.

  4. I realize that sewing the shape of this toy is going to be complicated.  Making a pattern for the toy will be very important.  I would consider a 3d SolidWorks printed file given more time.  I think the best thing here would be to fashion a clay model and then use material cut outs to make a template of the toy pattern and then cut this onto felt material for the final skin.
   
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  Yury Gitman 3:23 pm on April 17, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  Bruce – What unexpected things happened when you created your design files? 

  I decided to further the stress doll concept.

  1. Stress relievers are usually pressed or squeezed so I modified my design to include such capabilities. It is now a tactile interface as opposed to being sound responsive.
  2. From the feedback last week it was apparent that the doll appeared to be more of a 'voodoo' doll. So I drew inspiration from these sources and while thinking of the look and feel.
  3. I felt it would be interesting if the LED's in the eyes exploded when the doll is pushed to the limit. This seemed like an unreasonable objective since it'll be difficult to change LED's once they are blown and might cause damage to the doll.
  4. I felt it would be interesting if the arms and legs could be ripped off. I need to think more about this aspect. For now I think velcro and conductive fabric can make this possible.
  5. I modified the design so that the neck is longer, so that it is possible to strangle the doll by hand.
   
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  Yury Gitman 3:23 pm on April 17, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  Unexpected things from design process 

  What unexpected things happened when you created your design files?

  In reviewing the concepts that I proposed a few days ago I felt
  somewhat intimidated by the timeline presented us for submitting a
  final product. Two weeks seems a bit daunting as a time limit. Further, I guess after reviewing the concepts I originally thought about, I didn't feel like they were objects I would be spectacularly interested in implementing as a part of my life. They seemed more like things that would serve primarily as good intellectual exercises rather than objects I envisioned as practical pieces for everyday living. This seems to be a recurring challenge in the brains of designers, whether it is necessary to confine one's designs to the useful rather than just the intellectually piquant.

  In developing the Constellation Skirt concept it was surprisingly challenging to imagine a way in which one might embed clunky, hard technology into a soft garment. Further, what about washing? It certainly wouldn't be feasible to just dump the whole kit and kaboodle into the washing machine and call it a day. So I realized that I would need to spend some time thinking about how such a garment could be something people could actually use and abuse. I also struggled a little bit in thinking how I might conceal the technology portions that are indispensable and not able be "softened" or minimized further to the scale required by subtly used technology.
   
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  Yury Gitman 3:23 pm on April 17, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  Free Writing 

  :: What unexpected things happened when you created your design files? ::

  My design files were pretty well thought out last Tuesday, 14th. I knew I wanted to create a plush sea animal or creature that involved sound, buttons, movement, and a sensor. After presenting to the class, I decided to create the "Shy Turtle" who ducks into his shell when someone or something gets too close. Yury said it would be alright to focus on the technical side of my project by using a pre-made plush toy. I found a GUND stuffed turtle that I believe will work quite well for this project.

  One major design hurdle will be figuring out how to connect the head to the body so that it pulls back into its body. I think I'll need to create a hard plastic neck and entrance to the body but overall, I think it will be doable. I enjoy sewing and craft making but I would really like to focus on the technical aspects of this project as they are still somewhat new and difficult for me.
   
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  Yury Gitman 3:23 pm on April 17, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  What unexpected things happend when you created your design files? 

  When I started to sketch my ideas I realized that I will have to find ways to simplify the concept and the toy. More simple it will be- more effectively it will work. Then I started to look for the hardware solutions for it, this is actually what helped me to redefine my project.
   
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  Yury Gitman 3:22 pm on April 17, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  i’ve only opened adobe illustrator precisely 14 times, ever 

  What unexpected things happened when you created your design files?

  I have almost 0 visual design experience.  Literally, I have used
  photoshop and illustrator a combined total of about 15 times.  My eye
  for design is really embarrassing, and it's something that i have been
  trying to improve on since attending parsons. so this was not unexpected at all, but what WAS unexpected in this process was the final design of SOBEaR. S (which will probably end up changing again, anyway). Specifically, i knew that i wanted to have indicator lights showing the users current alcohol consumption status, but i didn't know where. while creating the 'blueprint' it dawned on me that visually it looked neat directly in the center of the bear.

  when beginning the file, i had no idea what i wanted the bear to look like. but then after googling images of bears, i was able to find a bear who's posture and positioning was perfect.  And it's adorable. I am now going to try to make SOBEaR look as much like this bear as possible.

  Also, i was a little bit wishy-washy on this concept UNTIL i thought of the name. The moment I thought of the name, this became a PROJECT. at least in my mind, it was not legit until the name was thought of. I think perhaps, in all projects, the title might be the most important element, especially when trying to sell it (not necessarily literally, but in general).
   
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  Yury Gitman 3:21 pm on April 17, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  What unexpected things happened when you created your design files? 

  When I started designing my puffin robot I realized that there is no innovation or real purpose to a little bird running around on the top of a table. So, I thought of something that I would be useful for me. I live in a basement apartment, with one window that gets light. So, when it is time to wake up, it could be 3 am or 3 pm and the light in the room would be the same. So, I figured it would be nice to have the sun shine in from the window and light up the room. This is where my new concept evolved from. I would like to make an alarm clock that opens the blinds so that you can wake up easier. I could not figure out how to incorporate a clock into the contraption on the blinds. And then I thought of having a plush alarm clock that you could hit in the head to snooze and hold its head to turn it off. The plush toy would be the controller for the blinds and would send out the signal to open and close them. Moving his arms up and down would allow the user to open and close the blinds manually. He would display the time through his teeth.
   
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  Yury Gitman 3:20 pm on April 17, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  Unexpected things that happened when creating my design files 

  After creating my design files, I began to get a clear idea of the concept that I am trying to execute.

  The physical form of the whole piece was first changed after doing basic sketches and realizing that I could easily make the project customizable by adding a removable faceplate for it. This inspired me to create 2 layouts, one for a faceplate and one for the main body of the project.

  Laying out the controls was also very interesting. I was able to quickly figure out where things should logically go, as well as refine and change the way in which different elements would be interacted with. By thinking of the types of switches that would fit the design, I was also able to do some technical research for both physical items and costs which helped me to realize if my ideas were feasible.

  Now that I have created a basic design for the product, I hope to be able to use this for some simple user testing and refine the layout, mainly of my buttons, before moving on to creating a fully realized product. I also need to test out several form factors that fit within the dimensions that I have laid out in my document and adjust them accordingly until they make sense as far as fitting the speakers in relation to the overall size of the product.