Success & Failures

When we prepared for user testing, we hadn’t had the time or opportunity to test the entire project holistically before the actual session. While we ensured each component worked individually, we didn’t test everything together as a complete game. Although it was a minor success to see each sensor functioning independently, this ultimately led to our biggest setback: the entire project failed to operate when plugged in and presented during user testing. One issue we hadn’t considered was whether the cables and outlets could support running four stepper motors—they couldn’t. As a result, we were unprepared for user testing and received no actionable feedback on how to improve the project; our primary task was simply to get it working. Over the next three and a half days, my partner and I reworked much of the code and reduced the number of stepper motors and sensors, going from five sensors and four stepper motors to three sensors and two stepper motors. Despite this reduction, the project finally worked as a cohesive unit.

My partner and I contributed equally, with each of us focusing on certain areas: I took the lead on construction and the visual design of the game, while Gabby focused more on the coding and wiring. We collaborated closely, meeting in the middle on various aspects. One challenge we both faced was ensuring the project “spoke for itself.” We had initially attempted this with a spinner and mini signs, but these weren’t enough. Since our project was not only facing functional issues but also lacked clear interaction cues, players didn’t approach it with the intended motions and mindset. To address this, Gabby and I added an OLED screen displaying instructions and score-keeping for players. I also attempted to create a countdown timer using two 7-segment LEDs, but this proved challenging, even with guidance from professors and fellows. Ultimately, we finalized our project with three sensors, two stepper motors, an OLED, and a servo. This experience made me reflect on the psychology behind art and how challenging it is to create something that truly “speaks for itself.”