Our project was inspired by a lecture focused on creating photo-editing style filters using Processing and Arduino. My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed that class, which sparked the idea of creating a photobooth for our class presentation and the IMA show. We wanted to share the fun we experienced with the filters and bring it to our audience. Initially, we had planned a project centered on making music with popping bubbles, but we decided to pivot toward the photobooth concept for its interactivity and visual appeal. After consulting with Professor Inmi, we realized that our original photobooth idea lacked meaningful depth and felt too similar to an ordinary photobooth. To address this, we added a theme of different decades, with each filter and its corresponding music reflecting a specific decade. We also introduced a green screen effect to enhance complexity and challenge ourselves technically. Configuring and preparing the green screen required significant effort but added a unique layer to our project.

We were mindful of how users would interact with the photobooth and wanted to create a seamless, intuitive experience. We incorporated buttons and a potentiometer dial, giving users direct control over the filters and music selection. To ensure clarity, I engraved labels for the buttons and dial, providing direction for users. Additionally, I created 3D-printed photo props to amplify the playful nature of the experience and encourage engagement. During user testing, most elements worked as intended, but we faced recurring issues with soldering potentiometers. Despite multiple attempts, the potentiometer malfunctioned during the session, prompting us to solder a replacement or explore alternative solutions. Unfortunately, the potentiometer broke again during the final presentation. In a last-minute fix, we positioned a baby breadboard with the potentiometer on its side, which successfully resolved the issue.

Another unexpected challenge arose with our decision to use a red screen instead of a green one. Although the red screen was easier to code and prepare due to the specific red shade we had, it caused confusion among users. Many questioned the choice, and the red screen created technical problems—such as people’s lips and red clothing becoming part of the background. We ultimately decided to recode the software and repaint the background green, which resolved these issues and improved the user experience. Overall, the project was well-received, and users seemed to genuinely enjoy interacting with it. It became quite popular at the IMA show, validating the design decisions and adaptations we made along the way. These challenges and iterative improvements were instrumental in shaping a final product that was both engaging and fun.