WALLACE 4126
TPD4126 Prototyping Tangible User Experiences
Spring 2022
Workshop // UX design // Arduino
This project was made with
Hanna Skeidsvoll, Henrik Grevstad, Magnus Engen, Marie Hansen, Saga Ahlstrand and Viktor Bredal.
Assignment
The assignment was to create an interactive experience to an automatic ferry located in Nyhavna in Trondheim. We had a workshop available for building and we used Arduino Uno with C-coding to make it interactive.
Solution
Our group decided to make a bench for the passengers to use during the ride. The goal was to make a nonintrusive visual experience that soothes the passengers, making them feel secure at the ferry, as well as maintaining a feeling of excitement. We designed a bench that explores the relationship between humans and water by giving the visual effect of waves through light. The effect could be created with just one passenger, but the full effect is only achieved when multiple people are using the bench. We hope this can spark a conversation between the passengers.
Process
Ideation
Since the task was so open, we used the first weeks to come to an agreement on what we wanted to make and find out about the group roles. We had a lot of meetings and used different design methods to decide on an idea everyone was excited about!
Testing and prototyping
We made two prototypes through the project. One wizard of oz prototype and one more advanced and functional one. Throughout the process we tested on our classmates and each other. As well as improving and fixing the challenges we discovered.
Building and combining
We started to build the final bench after the prototypes. Since we spent so much time on testing with the prototypes, we had a very clear approach to the final bench. In the end, we combined the electronics and made adjustments on the bench, so the everything would work as it should.
Filming
The last part of the assignment was to make a promo video for the final product. The video is shot at NTNU at dusk. It shows how the bench intentionally will work, as well as true reactions from strangers interacting with the bench for the first time.
My role and reflections
In this project, my role was to build the bench at the workshop together with four of the group members. In addition, I was in charge of communication within the group. This is the biggest project given yet in our studies combining teamwork, work at the workshop, coding, and video making.
From this project, I have learned the importance of good communication and patience within a team. Keeping the motivation was challenging, especially in the end. We solved that by starting every meeting and workshop with a check-in round where everyone could express how they felt. It was time-consuming, but in the end, I think that helped our group dynamic a lot and what made it so good.
Many hours are spent in group meetings and at the workshop and there were some intense and exhausting last weeks. It is still my favorite project and the one I have felt the most invested in and I am very proud of the final result.