We decided to pursue a route in an opposite fashion from what our original thoughts were from the last week: Why try to make the deaf conform to a hearing world?--Let's utilize the unique way the world can be experienced without sound. So, we started off this week by looking at projects already out there and what was possible if we were to take on similar projects.
Our input was focused on pressure and movement and we found a project called "Joy Slippers" that used analog pressure sensors that coordinated output to left/right/up/down sketches onto a computer.
We also started looking into malleable shapes, soft circuits and fabrics where we had a few ideas. Since our idea was inspired by the deaf culture, we decided to look into pressure sensors embedded into neoprene gloves where expression could be explored through hand gestures and movements.
As far as output, we focused on both tactile and visual stimuli. We agreed that lights (LEDS) could be an exciting route to go, especially since there is room for creativity and we could include both color and position for expression. We imagined a board with lights in a grid formation and the gloves would be connected to it, allowing the user to interact with it. (one idea)
For a second layer of the project, if possible, we would venture in the route of connecting another tactile element that was more expressive tactile approach than the light direction.
Materials that are vital:
- LEDs--multiplexed single LEDs (depending on price and ability for color choice, could use cheaper xmas lights/ bulk strands)
- position or proximity sensors (reed)
- neoprene fabric for gloves and covering exposed parts
- analog pressure sensors
- connection wire from gloves to connection into LEDs (telephone wire would be inexpensive)
- some sort of sturdy casing for lights
The blinking/fading is only the beginning for us...
No comments:
Post a Comment