Month: November 2023

Week 8 | Creative Switch

Concept:
For this assignment, I wanted to set up something automated. You see, in my dorm room, I’ve got these cool, colorful LED lights that I like to switch on when it gets dark. But here’s the thing: I often turn them on when I close the window by my bed. That got me thinking: why not connect the LED with the window? So, I came up with a simple idea. Now, when I close the window, the LED light automatically pops on. And when I open the window, it goes off. It’s like a little automation trick to make my room feel cozy without me even lifting a finger.

Process:
I’ve put together a basic circuit here. It’s pretty straightforward – just one resistor and one light bulb. I connected the wires and fixed a little coin to the end of each wire. At the bottom of the window, I stuck a sheet of aluminum foil. When I shut the window, those two coins make contact with the foil, and that’s when the circuit completes. The light bulb lights up when they touch the foil.

Video of implementation:

Reflections:
This assignment was so fun and I really liked that I did something that is very interesting for me. The only problem I encountered was attaching the board to the window, but I managed to solve it in no time. Another aspect that could be improved is the choice of materials. I used basic items like coins and aluminum foil, which I believe may not be the most suitable options for projects like this.

Week #8 assignment: Unusual Switch

Concept:

For this week’s assignment, I wanted to create something universal that could be adapted in various creative scenarios. To the Arduino board, I attached two wires with aluminum foil plates, a connection of which completes a circuit and lights up the LED light. I also wanted for it to be used between 2 people to increase the interactivity aspect and make it more fun (which it actually was a lot!). Here is the initial result:

And here is some more fooling around with it:

Implementation:

Implementing it was quite simple. It was a series circuit, enhanced with aluminum foil. Here is how the setup looked like:

week 8 – unusual switch

This project took a while for me to wrap my head around mostly because of the stipulation: creative and unusual, I guess I was overthinking what classifies as unusual and what does not. I realise that the prompt specifies no use of hands but for some reason I interpreted that as no use of hands to regularly trigger a button/ switch etc., as a means to activate the led… so hopefully my simple project still qualifies. I interpreted the light to embody a positive emotion since it radiated a warm and homey glow. I wanted to connect this to a meaningful something whilst making it so that it could act as a switch, and with my sleep-deprived brain, this really stumped me. The only viable “something” I could think of was relating this “switch mechanism” to the arts, which I’m moderately passionate about. And naturally this transformed and manifested into the idea of using scissors as a switch.

https://youtube.com/shorts/cSCZFdWsqJQ?feature=share

The whole circuit itself was not too difficult to create – it consisted of a green light, ground wire, resistor, a red wire and 2 more wires to connect from the breadboard to the scissors. The one thing I will say is that I had no no conductive tape or aluminium foil and so I had to make do with using normal tape to wind the wires to their appropriate positions on the scissors. Because of this, it wasn’t too reliable since the wires were prone to shifting, and so ultimately it would’ve worked better through use of a more stable medium. Whilst I’m happy about this assignment, I do have doubts on the “creativity” aspect. I also propose a more meaningful and idea-wise, stronger alternative. Perhaps I could’ve attached aluminium foils/ conductive tape to my chest and hand. Whenever I would place my hand over my heart, the led would light up.

Week 8 – Reflection Assignment

The reading “Her Code Got Humans on the Moon—And Invented Software Itself” delves into the life of Margaret Hamilton and how she invented software at a time when women were not seen in this type of field. Reflecting back, I was quite surprised how Robert McMillan, a male writer, wrote this pro-feminist reading. If a female wrote this, there might have been a suspicion of biasness. I particularly remember when McMillan mentions how Hamilton often brought her daughter Lauren to work. This made my appreciation for Hamilton increase tenfold since women were already seen less in the workplace, let alone women who were also mothers. One part that slightly annoyed me was when they weren’t listening to Hamilton’s advice on what to do with the error in the program. I believe there may have been misogynistic behavior in play here as they didn’t want to believe a woman would point out their mistakes. This reading also made me contemplate how I used to focus only on the end result and not on the painstaking process that brought the result. I used to focus on how the first man landed on the moon and not who was the reason he was able to land on the moon. I now question several incidents where I only knew the end result, like the discovery of gravity, the creation of vaccines, and several other phenomena where the creators were not credited.

The reading “Attractive Things Work Better” delves into the role our emotions play in our cognitive function and problem-solving abilities. It argues how humans are able to use machines and other systems more accurately if they are attractive to the eye. While I believe something attractive certainly creates a better mood which enables people to solve things more easily, I don’t believe that this works in every scenario. For instance, they probably failed to take into account that some people may already be in a bad mood or a good mood before using the machines. They could also already be accustomed to the machines or just using them for the first time. Similarly, certain gadgets like mobile phones will probably not impact someone’s mood in itself, but rather only from the content displayed on their screens. I remember this reading particularly talked about the Mini Cooper which is a popular car and they associated it with putting people in a good mood. However, it failed to take into account that while this car may look appealing to some, it may not be for others as everyone has different tastes. As a result, several factors are in play here rather than just the aesthetic appeal of the devices and gadgets.

These readings delve into the discovery of systems or thoughts that would change the way we view the world. Hamilton discovered software engineering and was the reason humans were able to land on the moon. Similarly, Masaaki Kurosu and Kaori Kashimura discovered the impact of emotions on functionality. Both these readings also reveal how there is always going to be someone who doesn’t believe in your theory. You just have to prove them wrong.

Just Do It- Week 8 Reading Reflection

This week’s readings from Donald A. Norman, including “Emotions and Attractive” and “Her Code Got Humans on the Moon—And Invented Software Itself,” resonated with me and left me with some valuable insights. On one hand, the story of Margret Hamilton stands out as an inspiring example, not just for me, but for countless young women aspiring to make their mark in a predominantly male-dominated field. Her journey began without a clear goal or ulterior motive, yet it ultimately led to the creation of software that played a pivotal role in the Apollo missions at NASA, laying the foundation for modern computer software. Her story embodies the timeless principle of “just do it.”

Sometimes, self-doubt can creep in when we feel we’re not good enough or lack a full grasp of the subject matter. We might question whether we truly belong in certain spaces, especially when we don’t see others who look like us or have similar backgrounds. However, Hamilton’s remarkable journey serves as a powerful reminder that we can carve our own path and enter spaces we aspire to be in, regardless of the current occupants. You never know who might be watching or following in your footsteps.

Her journey, from starting something with no clear plan to creating an industry worth $400 billion, illustrates the incredible results that can emerge from hard work and dedication. This also connects with Norman’s readings because Hamilton didn’t create something for the sake of it; her work was both functional and aesthetically appealing, leaving an indelible mark on history. It emphasizes that our focus should not solely be on usability or aesthetics but on striking a balance with intention and purpose.

Margret Hamilton didn’t stumble upon the code that we now recognize as software; she crafted it with usability and a form of beauty that only programmers of her time could appreciate. Her deliberate approach propelled her to the position she holds today, serving as a true source of inspiration for me in my own career aspirations. Her story encourages me to follow a path that combines functionality and artistry, much like she did in her groundbreaking work.

Week 8: Create an Unusual Switch

Concept

Since the assignment was to create a switch that didn’t rely on using hands, I came up with the idea of using feet instead. The way this switch operates is that when your feet, covered in socks, make contact with each other, it triggers the LED to light up. I love collecting cute socks, so I thought it would be a fun and an entertaining feature to have the socks themselves light up when they come into contact with one another.

Demonstration

This is how the switch works:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wJUOS9xvNBDc9PbyCIyS2xbPuY8vBTjv/view?usp=share_link

This is the setup of the switch:

Process & Highlights 

The components used in constructing this switch include an LED, wires, an Arduino Uno, a breadboard, aluminum foil, tape, a resistor, and a pair of socks. The setup employs a basic series circuit configuration, featuring an LED and a resistor. To increase the contact area, I used aluminum foil to cover the wire ends attached to the socks. When these wire connections on the socks come into contact with each other, it activates the LED, causing it to illuminate.

Reflections

I thoroughly enjoyed working on this assignment, and there’s definitely ample space for additional creativity. One exciting idea is to attach wires at various points on the socks and incorporate multiple LED lights in different colors. This way, diverse foot movements would trigger various colored LEDs, adding another exciting layer to the experience.

 

Reading Reflection: Week 8

Emotion & Attractive

I thoroughly enjoyed this article as it underscores the significance of both user-friendliness and visual appeal. The author also acknowledges the importance of human interaction with products and a comprehensive design approach. In today’s context, the visual attractiveness of a product holds the potential to substantially enhance the overall user experience.

Don Norman doesn’t exhibit bias in this reading. He places value on usability and functionality while also recognizing the necessity of beauty and enjoyment in design. This well-rounded perspective is crucial as it demonstrates the complexity of human interaction with products and the need for a holistic design approach.

This reading has reinforced my belief in the importance of aesthetics within design. While functionality and usability remain pivotal, the aesthetic charm of a product can significantly elevate the user’s experience and satisfaction. This is especially relevant in today’s landscape, where numerous options are available, and a product’s visual appeal can truly set it apart. This reading also prompted me to question: How can designers strike the right balance between usability and aesthetics?

Her Code Got Humans on the Moon—And Invented Software Itself

The article offers a captivating glimpse into the formative years of software engineering and the substantial impact Margaret Hamilton had on the Apollo space program. It’s fascinating to observe how Hamilton’s efforts served as the foundation for the evolution of software engineering and how her groundbreaking ideas continue to influence the field to this day.

I found this article particularly appealing because it underscores Hamilton’s exceptional status as one of the few women working in the tech and engineering fields. This resonates with me as a computer science student because I’ve observed a distinct gender disparity in my classes and at internships, with a significantly higher number of male students compared to their female counterparts. The article also touches upon the challenges Hamilton faced as a working mother and a programmer in the space industry, as people questioned her ability to balance her career with motherhood. However, it was during one of the instances when her daughter inadvertently interacted with a keyboard and caused a simulator crash that proved to be of immense value. This incident played a crucial role in bringing the astronauts safely back to Earth after Jim Lovell selected P01 during a flight. By showcasing Hamilton’s achievements and contributions, the article challenges conventional gender roles and stereotypes. It highlights the significance of acknowledging and celebrating the accomplishments of women in the software development field.

Reading this article undeniably increased my understanding of the important roles played by early software engineers like Hamilton. In our current era of highly sophisticated software, it can be easy to forget the pioneers who established the groundwork for these remarkable advancements.

 

assignment 8 – creative switch

concept:

These days, there is this board in D2 with cardboard cutouts that mention ways to eat sustainably. I coincidentally happened to pay attention to the board right after our last IM class, which gave me an idea – a switch that lights up when the cutlery touches the plate. The premise is that if you get a portion proportional to your appetite, and are then able to finish your food (the cutlery touching the plate), the LED lights up.

implementation video

process:

It is a simple series circuit consisting of an LED and a resistor. I used aluminum foil on the base of the plate and the spoon so that a larger surface area is conductive. whenever the spoon makes contact with the plate, the circuit completes and the LED lights up. I used a green LED to indicate successful completion of a meal.

reflections:

There is certainly room for improvement. I didn’t try it out with actual food, so I’m not sure if the food content would actually affect the way the switch works. Also, the foil doesn’t actually cover the length of the plate. Because of this, even though it technically *works* it doesn’t capture the essence of the concept fully. In addition, I’d also love to improve the visuals of the project, because the aluminum foil and tape do make it look a bit tacky.

reading reflection: week 8

The piece by Dan Norman aptly captures my response to reading The Design of Everyday Things, which I had brought up in class discussions as well, and this story of the three teapots in Emotion & Design is a perfect follow up to his story about the artistic but inconvenient doors in his previous work. “Pleasurable designs are not necessarily usable. But need these attributes be in conflict? Why not beauty and brains, pleasure and usability?” I would consider myself a proponent of beautiful design, but I am also a regular user of everyday things, and I care about their usability. What Dan Norman says, and I agree, is that “design matters, but which design is preferable depends on the occasion, the context, and above all, my mood.” There need not be a race between aesthetics and utility. In fact, I like nice design so much that I occasionally go on the Museum of Modern Art online store website just to look at pretty things. This $315 lamp or this $140 side table are probably not setting utility standards for any other lamps or side tables, but they’re beautiful, and I am glad someone designed them.

Also, Norman’s discussion of the system of affective thinking was agreeable, and quite therapeutic to be honest. I can appreciate how it can be taken as a lens for looking at life in general. If the affective system works independently of thought, as he claims, then I can attribute unstructured or neurotic thoughts to the neurochemicals that “bathe” my relevant brain centers, affecting the way I “perceive, decide, and react.” Norman also offers his solution: affective reactions can be overcome with time and practice. This, he says, requires patience, and taking agency over your thought process. This too, then, is not a race, since anything that requires patience by definition cannot be done in haste. To learn to have healthy thoughts is to learn to be patient.

Week 8- Creative Switch

DO YOUR EXERCISE CORRECTLY!

My Concept: When I was in the gym, the couch always would tell me to do the exercises to the fullest extent because I used to do only half of them. For instance, my pushups would be twice the distance from the ground than the right pushups. I wanted to create a tool that helps the user to control the right way of doing the exercise. Specifically, by sticking the aluminum folds at the right distance on each side of the arm, the user can control the way he is pulling the equipment by bending the arm. When the arms are completely bent, the foils touch each other and the bulb lights up. Hence, the user knows that he is correctly doing the exercise (he is fully bending his arm) when the bulb lights up. 

The video of my creative switch in work: testing creative switch

Process & Highlights: I have created a simple circuit with one resistor and one light bulb as we practiced in class. Then, I added the connecting wires which would be used as a switch, breaking and completing the circuit. First, I checked whether they worked by connecting the wires. When I was certain that my circuit was complete and the switch worked, I extended the wires by adding additional ones with the foil to make them wearable. After that, I added the aluminum foil to the ends of the wires and stuck the wires on my hands. 

Reflections: To be honest, this was the quickest assignment of Intro to IM because of my physics background in high school. Additionally, because I already had an idea, the implementation wasn’t a big issue. This project can be developed further by replacing the multiple wires with one long wire because these wires can easily be disconnected from one another, breaking the circuit. Additionally, I would replace the Arduino board with a more flexible, thus, wearable one. Furthermore, I would improve the aesthetics of the product, so it can be implemented and used in the market.