Through the previous group project, Tale of the Visionaries, I learned that human interactions are often disrupted not only by other people but also by technology. This realization sparked my interest in exploring ways for technology to enhance and promote human interaction in innovative ways. Additionally, through the Kinetic Wearable Recitation and sensor lectures, I explored interactions enabled by servo motors and the dynamic connections between sensors and humans. I discovered that kinetic wearables can become extensions of the human body, amplifying personal expressions and interactions. I also learned that some sensors detect the same stimuli as humans, such as pressure, light, and sound. Initially, I viewed sensors and motors purely as machines, but the more I engaged with them, the more I realized they can play a meaningful role in human interactions—or even amplify human qualities in certain ways.
My teammate and I started our project by identifying a common pain point in real-life dining settings. When dining with someone unfamiliar, an eerily quiet restaurant can make conversation feel awkward or uncomfortable. Conversely, in a noisy restaurant, it can be frustrating if you can’t get the waiter’s attention.
We envisioned using a candle on the table as a medium between diners, waiters, and the surrounding environment. Our idea was to use the candlelight as a signal for different requests or to convey the diner’s status without them having to speak or wave. Our project is unique in that, while restaurants don’t typically use candles as signaling devices, similar mediums exist, such as ringing a bell to call over the waiter instead of raising a hand or speaking up.
What sets our project apart is the use of a microphone sensor to indicate the diners' conversational status. This sensor detects whether diners are engaged in conversation, signaling if they can be interrupted or not. When activated, the microphone sensor lights up a red LED on the candle, signaling to waiters and others nearby. Additionally, we implemented a touch sensor to allow diners to call the waiter without waving, waiting, or speaking out loud. When the touch sensor is activated, it triggers a green LED light on the candle, signaling for waiter assistance. Waiters are prompted to approach the table either when the red light is off (indicating it’s appropriate to interrupt) or when the green light is on (indicating a service request).
This project is designed to enhance the dining experience, fostering a smoother interaction between diners, waiters, and the surrounding environment.