Today was finally the week that we could work on developing our prototype in different workplaces. First, we visited the lab and Andreas helped us to lend LEDs and silicon stripes. Then, to test out the movement, we laser-cut the wooden material to make the silicon tubes to fit in. As we couldn’t find the memory metal anywhere, (we had to order it and it would be shipping only on next week) we wanted to test it just with LEDs now.
We had to brainstorm a lot to figure out how we would possibly work on the silicon tube with the LED lamps. We decided to go with the two parts. First, we wanted to try out with the fabric material, which we will use for the actual product. Next, we also wanted to see how the movement of the silicon tube would be working. That made us to also make the prototype mock-up in the wooden pallet. We would have to manipulate the movements from below with our hands, but at least we would be able to show the idea, hopefully.
The photos are showing how we worked with Arduino and laser-cut prototype, as well as the ones we made for the actual product. If we have the memory metal wire, then we can also develop this one further. We are planning to have the thick material for the plate, and other smooth material to cover it so that it could look like a cape. We are also looking forward to getting more input about our process in tomorrow’s mentoring session.
Embodied Interaction 