Failures 

We encountered two main challenges, one of which was during the 3D printing process. Initially, it was difficult to find appropriate models online, such as a toothbrush, as most available designs were either unrelated (e.g., toothbrush holders) or unsuitable for our project. As a result, we initially opted to use a tooth model. However, when we transferred the file to the IMA computer to print all four models together, it caused issues: the tooth model failed to print properly alongside the others. This led us to reprint the models three times, as the tooth repeatedly failed during the 3D printing process. We overcame this challenge by printing the tooth separately from the other three objects, which were printed together.

Additionally, our initial plan to drill holes into the 3D-printed models to hide the tilt sensors proved problematic. The thin layers of the prints made them susceptible to damage, and drilling negatively affected the aesthetics. To address this, we revised the design in Tinkercad by incorporating holes directly into the 3D models before printing. This solution worked well for most objects, except for the tooth, which still failed to print fully. After user testing, we decided to create and print a toothbrush model instead. For this, we made adjustments by drilling a hole in the base and stabilizing it with electrical tape, and it actually worked!

Overall, the 3D printing process required precise measurements, detailed handcrafting, and multiple iterations, making it a particularly challenging and time-consuming part of the project.

Another failure was in the coding phase, specifically with Processing. While the Arduino coding for the Neopixel Strip was successful, we struggled with programming Processing to alternate videos when all tilt sensors were triggered. Instead, videos only played individually when a single sensor was activated. This limitation affected the overall interactivity we envisioned for the project.

Finally, our initial concept also proved to be a challenge. We originally envisioned a system where users would pick up balls from a pool and place them into a spiral that would lead to a large water drop. However, this idea lacked sufficient interactivity and did not allow us to integrate many of the skills we learned in class, such as using sensors and coding for visualization. Recognizing these shortcomings, we ultimately decided to pivot to a new concept.