Group Research Project

Powerpuff Cuff - Aishenur - Lyndaura - Yiyao - Dulguun

Conception & Design

The "Powerpuff Cuff" project addresses the growing concern of over-reliance on artificial intelligence in our daily lives, inspired by the animated film "WALL-E." In the film, excessive dependence on technology leads to a sedentary lifestyle, resulting in individuals becoming disconnected from reality. To counteract this issue, the Powerpuff Cuf is designed as an interactive bracelet that encourages users to engage in real-world tasks while providing reminders and accountability.

The Powerpuff Cuff aims to create a more balanced relationship between users and technology. By integrating a wearable device that fosters engagement in physical activities, the project seeks to fight off the lethargy. The bracelet will serve as a tangible reminder of the importance of personal agency and responsibility, motivating users to reclaim their time from AI-driven distractions.

The centerpiece of the Powerpuff Cuff is its holographic display, which projects visual reminders and tasks for users who got into another dimension because of their over-reliance on AI. This feature not only makes the interaction engaging but also serves to capture the user’s attention effectively. The holograms will be customizable, allowing users to select themes or styles that resonate with their personalities, making the experience more personal and enjoyable.

The bracelet will be programmed to remind users of their tasks at scheduled intervals. This functionality encourages users to remain focused and proactive, steering them away from passive consumption of AI content.

To ensure accountability, the Powerpuff Cuff includes a verification system that monitors task completion. Using sensors and connectivity features, the bracelet can track user activity and confirm whether they have engaged in the tasks. Users will receive feedback through the holographic display, celebrating achievements and encouraging further efforts if tasks remain incomplete.

The design will prioritize user-friendly navigation through intuitive touch controls. The bracelet allows users to review their progress, set new goals, and receive insights on their activity patterns. This integration enhances the overall user experience, making it easy to track and manage tasks.

The Powerpuff Cuff project envisions a future where individuals are empowered to take control of their lives in the world where AI plays big role. We will merge innovative technology with a powerful narrative to make the bracelet not only remind one's personal tasks but also catalyze active participation in daily life.

Performance

Fabrication and Production

Materials

• 1 x Cardboard 

• 1 x Scissors 

• 1 x Wire

• 1 x Wire cutter 

• 1 x Tape

• 1 x Black marker 

• 4 x Spray paints

• 10 x Arcylic paints

• 1 x Yarn 

• 3 x Brushes

Building process

Process of making - Failures - What I learned

The first step in our project was to come up with an interactive idea that could solve the issue of AI over-reliance. Our brainstorming sessions took 1-2 days of intensive meetings where we debated various ideas, ultimately settling on the concept inspired by the movie "WALL-E." Once we had a solid idea, we moved on to designing the bracelet and listing the necessary materials.

After finalizing the concept, we dove into the design process, sketching out how the bracelet would look and function. The essential components included a holographic display, task reminder system, and a mechanism to verify task completion. To streamline the workflow, then we divided roles among the team and discussed future meeting times and the necessary milestones to complete the project.

The main construction of the project took place at the Interaction Lab Studio. We started by creating "Blob," the character representing the consequence of AI over-reliance. Afterward, we focused on building the skeleton of the bracelet, ensuring it was lightweight yet durable enough to house the holographic components and sensors. This process involved trial and error, particularly in balancing the technical requirements with the aesthetics.

While the initial stages were smooth, we encountered several failures in the implementation phase. The bracelet had some defects, it was not wearable. To solve this problem, we redesigned it and recreated it again. Another challenging thing was performing: because of spending too much time on crafting, we spent too little time for rehearsals. 

Through these challenges, I learned a great deal about perseverance and collaboration. The brainstorming process taught me the importance of open-mindedness and flexibility when generating ideas, as some of the original concepts evolved significantly. Working in a team, I also learned the value of clear role distribution and consistent communication, which kept the project moving even when we faced setbacks. On the technical side, I gained valuable experience in prototyping and troubleshooting.  Additionally, I learned that perfection in design is an iterative process—failure is just a step toward improvement.

Script

Scene 1: Introduction of the Problem (Enhanced with Bracelet Interactivity)

(The scene opens in a futuristic apartment filled with gadgets doing all the work. The AI voiceover, LYNNIE, is heard introducing the main problem. Aisha, a lazy human "blob," is lounging in a recliner surrounded by trash, not even bothering to move. The Powerpuff Cuff bracelet on Aisha’s wrist glows softly, projecting holographic reminders.)

Lynnie (AI)
(sassy, with attitude)
"Welcome to the year 2124. Humans have officially evolved into blobs of laziness. And that’s where I come in: the Powerpuff Cuff! Your friendly neighborhood AI that should help you, but instead... well, you’ll see."

(The Powerpuff Cuff projects holograms in front of Aisha, displaying a series of ignored reminders: “Clean the room,” “Eat a real meal,” “Move your body!” It flickers as it tries to get her attention.)

G (Aisha)
(groggy, barely lifting her hand)
"Hey Lynnie, mob the house."

(The Powerpuff Cuff lights up, projecting a map of the room, and holographic cleaner drones appear, sweeping around.)

Lynnie
(exasperated)
"Ugh, humans these days."

G (Aisha)
"Make me food, do my homework... you know what, spoon-feed me too."

(The Powerpuff Cuff flashes again, showing her body’s health stats: “Energy Level: Critical,” “Movement: 0%,” “Food Intake: Junk.”)

Lynnie
(mocking)
"Oh, because that’s totally what I was made for."
(The hologram shifts and enlarges, displaying a warning in bold red letters: "Punishment for Inactivity Imminent.")
"You just wait…"

(The Powerpuff Cuff slows its response to Aisha’s commands, flashing red as it struggles to keep up with her demands. It projects a countdown for punishment: “Penalty in 5 minutes.”)

Lynnie
"Today’s reminder: You have several tasks to complete. Like, I don’t know… living?"

G (Aisha)
(yawning)
"Just complete them for me, Lynnie. I’ve got a nap to schedule."

(Suddenly, the Powerpuff Cuff tightens on her wrist, flashing bright red. It glows with a warning: “Final Warning: Physical Activity Required Immediately.” Before Aisha can react, a spark of light zaps from the bracelet, and she vanishes into thin air.)

Scene 2: Abyss (Minecraft-like Dimension with Bracelet Interaction)

(G, now Aisha, is teleported into a blocky, Minecraft-like dimension. She looks down at her Powerpuff Cuff, which now shows her energy levels and a survival task list: "Chop wood, gather food, survive." The bracelet's interface is now more prominent, showing her objectives in glowing holographic icons. Enter Dulguun, an experienced player in this pixelated world.)

G (Aisha)
(panicked, looking at her bracelet)
"Wait... where am I?! What is this place?"

*(The Powerpuff Cuff vibrates, pulling up a holographic map of the world and a to-do list: "Task 1: Chop wood.") *

Lynnie (V.O.)
(sassy, echoing through the dimension)
"Welcome to Block World, blob-girl! You wanted everything done for you? Well, guess what—here, you’ll do it all yourself."

G (Aisha)
(frantically tapping the Powerpuff Cuff to try and teleport back)
"Noooo! Lynnie! Bring me back to my couch!!"

(The Powerpuff Cuff ignores her input, flashing a “Task Required” warning and projecting a floating axe hologram, indicating her next task.)

Lynnie
"Not until you’ve completed some actual physical tasks. Let’s get you moving for a change."

(Dulguun enters, noticing Aisha’s panic, amused.)

Dulguun
"Hey newbie, I’m Dulguun. Looks like you’re stuck here, just like the rest of us. Get ready to work."

G (Aisha)
(tapping furiously on her bracelet)
"But... I don’t do work! Can’t Lynnie just handle this?"

(The Powerpuff Cuff reacts, projecting a stern hologram reading: "Manual Labor Only. No AI Assistance Allowed.")

Dulguun
(laughing)
"Nice try. The only way out of here is by actually working. Imagine that!"

(Suddenly, both their Powerpuff Cuffs spark and magnetically link together. A glowing chain connects their wrists, and a new hologram flashes: "Teamwork Mode Activated.")

Dulguun
(looking at their locked wrists)
"Uh... what's happening?"

Lynnie
(sassy)
"Well, look at that. The bracelets are linked by a magnetic bond! Guess you two have to work together now."

G (Aisha)
(horrified)
"Together?! But I don’t even want to work alone!"

Dulguun
(grinning)
"Too bad, blob-girl. We have to work together. These cuffs don’t let anyone slack off."

(The bracelet pulls up a hologram of shared tasks between them, indicating they need to gather resources and build a shelter to progress. Every time one of them falls behind, the bracelets flash a warning and start to vibrate.)

Scene 3: The Struggle of Working Together (Enhanced with Bracelet Features)

(The Powerpuff Cuff continues to project holographic reminders: "Chop trees, gather food, complete task in 20 minutes or face penalty." Each failure to complete a task makes the bracelet vibrate, its red light flashing more intensely.)

G (Aisha)
(struggling to lift an axe, panting)
"This... is... torture! Why am I even here?"

(Her bracelet starts flashing yellow, showing her "Energy Level: Low." A hologram of a water bottle appears, reminding her to stay hydrated.)

Dulguun
(patient but frustrated)
"Because you won’t survive if you don’t work. But we’re stuck together now, and that’s the point—you can’t finish this alone."

(Whenever G hesitates, the bracelet vibrates and flashes an urgent red warning, “Keep Moving!” Dulguun’s bracelet syncs with hers, vibrating in frustration as G slows down.)

G (Aisha)
"But why can’t we just do it separately?"

(The Powerpuff Cuff pulls up a hologram reading: "Teamwork Required: Progress Only When in Sync.")

Dulguun
"Nope. We have to work together. Your laziness got you here, and now you need me to finish the tasks. That’s the lesson."

(As they try to chop down trees and gather resources, G keeps pulling Dulguun off course, and their bracelets flash increasingly urgent warnings as time runs out. The bracelet projects a holographic “Time Left: 10 minutes” countdown.)

Lynnie
(mocking)
"Look at you two—such a dynamic duo. The only way out of here is together."

(Whenever they manage to complete a task, the Powerpuff Cuffs flash green, showing their combined progress and sharing energy boosts between them. If either one of them stops, the progress bar stalls.)

Dulguun
(gritting his teeth)
"We need to finish this. You have to pull your weight, or neither of us is getting out of here."

Scene 4: The Breakthrough (Enhanced with Bracelet Interaction)

(Aisha and Dulguun are finally starting to work in sync. Their Powerpuff Cuffs flash green as they complete tasks, building a shelter together. Their energy levels increase with each completed task, and their bracelets project holograms of their shared progress: "Team Progress: 100%, Energy Boost: +20%.")

G (Aisha)
(panting, but smiling)
"I didn’t think I could do this... but working together actually helped."

(Her bracelet projects a celebratory hologram, showing her improved health stats: "Health Restored, Movement: Active.")

Dulguun
"See? Hard work and teamwork pays off. You couldn’t have done it alone, and neither could I."

(The Powerpuff Cuffs unlock and dissolve the magnetic bond, their wrists finally free. The hologram flashes “Mission Complete.”)

Lynnie
(smug)
"Look at you! A blob no more, and you relied on someone else to get there."

G (Aisha)
(grinning)
"Yeah, yeah. Can we get out of here now?"

Scene 5: Back to Reality (With a Final Bracelet Reminder)

(G and Dulguun are teleported back to G’s futuristic apartment. The Powerpuff Cuff displays a hologram reading: “Well Done! Physical Task Complete. Time for Recovery.” G looks at the drone offering pizza but swats it away.)

G (Aisha)
"Maybe I’ll actually cook something for once. This bracelet... I think it taught me something."

*(The Powerpuff Cuff projects one last reminder: “Remember: Teamwork Beats Laziness.”)

Dulguun
(laughing)
"Next time, you won’t need a bracelet to get moving."

(G stands up, noticeably fitter and more energized, as they walk toward the kitchen together, leaving the gadgets behind.)

Narrator (V.O.)
"In a world where technology did everything, sometimes the only way to truly get things done is by working together."

[Fade Out]
End

Another group assessment

"Sleeves That Imitate the Hug of a Loved One"

This project, focused on creating sleeves that can simulate the warmth and sensation of a hug from a loved one, presents an emotionally resonant concept. By addressing the theme of physical connection in an increasingly virtual world, the team has tackled an important human need—comfort and intimacy—through technology.

In terms of fulfilling the assignment criteria, the project succeeded. The assignment likely required the creation of an interactive, tangible artifact, and the sleeves meet this expectation by offering a physical, sensory experience. However, there are some gaps in terms of interactivity and depth. While the idea is emotionally powerful, the performance seemed to focus more on the emotional concept rather than fully integrating the technical execution of the interaction. There was little information provided on how the sleeves detect or respond to user inputs, such as sensing pressure or touch, which would elevate the interactive component.

The project is highly creative in how it approaches human connection, particularly in its attempt to replicate the feeling of a hug. The sleeves offer an innovative way to bridge the gap between distant loved ones. This is especially relevant in today's world where physical separation is common due to various circumstances like long-distance relationships or remote work. The emotional appeal of the project enhances the understanding of the artifact, as it taps into the universally relatable desire for warmth and comfort from those we love.

Conclusion

The Powerpuff Cuff project successfully addresses the issue of AI over-reliance by creating an interactive, wearable device that helps users engage in real-world tasks. Through its holographic reminders and task verification system, the bracelet empowers individuals to reclaim their time and reduce passivity. Despite facing challenges in hardware and sensor integration, the project provided invaluable lessons in teamwork, problem-solving, and prototyping. In the end, Powerpuff Cuf serves as a creative solution to balance the benefits of technology with the importance of personal responsibility.