CLOSER - JOSELYN - VIOLA

In designing the project, my understanding of user interaction significantly influenced various design decisions. For instance, I used cardboard to construct the stage framework and incorporated a flip-top roof, allowing users to control the release of white feathers at the moment of emotional connection. This feature not only created a visually impactful moment but also aligned with the theme of emotional vulnerability and relief. To ensure smooth functionality, I crafted plastic modules as tracks, which prevented wear and deformation from interfering with the displacement sensors that detect the hearts' movements. This decision was driven by the need for precision in the interaction between the hearts and the sensors. I also connected the feathers with thin strings, making them easy to reset and collect after each interaction, maintaining the interactive flow for repeated use. Aesthetically, I chose to line the interior of the theater box with black feathers, which served a dual purpose: they effectively concealed the internal components and reinforced the dark, gloomy atmosphere of the setting. This was critical in creating an immersive emotional experience for the users. Additionally, I placed LED lights behind the silicone hearts, allowing the hearts to glow as they approach each other. The choice of LEDs and silicone was deliberate, as these materials effectively conveyed the concept of emotional warmth and connection more vividly than other options.

During the production process, we faced several challenges and made adjustments based on user testing feedback. The teacher suggested threading the feathers to make them easier to reset and reuse, which significantly improved the efficiency of the interaction mechanism, ensuring that the feathers could be easily reloaded after each use. In terms of collaboration, I was responsible for the circuit and programming aspects, ensuring that the heart’s brightness and the feather-drop mechanism worked smoothly. Elston handled the assembly of the cardboard and fixing the tracks, which provided the structural stability for the project. I also took charge of the final decorations, adding visual details to match the dark, immersive theme we aimed for. During the user testing session, a classmate recommended adding more visual elements to shift the audience’s focus from the circuit components to the glowing hearts. To address this, I added black gauze to diffuse the LED lights and used black feathers to cover the tracks, effectively concealing the mechanical elements and enhancing the overall aesthetic. The Arduino code was a critical part of the project, which I programmed to control the brightness of the hearts and trigger the feather-release mechanism. The distance sensor allowed the hearts to brighten as they moved closer, and when they reached a certain proximity, the servo motor would release the feathers. This blend of electronics and physical design created a seamless interactive experience. Overall, the collaborative process allowed us to efficiently complete our respective tasks, and through user feedback, we refined the design, resulting in a visually compelling and interactive final project.

In the audience's feedback, we received many positive comments regarding the interactivity and visual effects. Most viewers expressed that they really enjoyed the process of controlling the hearts as they moved closer and gradually brightened. They felt that this visual transition effectively conveyed a growing sense of connection. The moment when the hearts finally touched, triggering the white feathers to fall, brought surprise and emotion to the audience. This design was seen as highly symbolic, representing the warmth and softness that comes with emotional connection between people. However, the audience also provided some constructive criticism. Some noted that while the overall dark atmosphere fit the theme well, the visibility of the circuit and mechanical components occasionally broke the sense of immersion. A few suggested further concealing these elements or adding more decorations to focus the viewers’ attention on the glowing hearts, thus maintaining the immersive experience. Additionally, some audience members mentioned that while the feathers added a dreamy and romantic touch, a few feathers occasionally got stuck on the tracks, affecting the smoothness of the fall. This feedback helped us realize the need to improve the track design to ensure the feathers fall more naturally. Overall, the audience gave high praise for the interactivity and thematic expression of the project, especially the touching moment when the hearts glowed and the feathers fell, which was emotionally impactful. Their constructive feedback also helped us identify areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing the visual aesthetics and the smooth operation of the mechanisms.

After disassembling the project, we carefully separated the components for future use in other projects. The circuit, which includes the displacement sensor and the LED setup, can be repurposed for any project that requires controlling the gradual brightening of lights based on distance. This setup is versatile and can be easily adapted for other interactive installations that involve proximity-based lighting effects. The tracks and motor system, which were used to control the movement of the hearts, can also be reused. These components are well-suited for projects that involve movement controlled by buttons or other inputs. The motor's reliable performance in controlling smooth and precise movements makes it ideal for any project requiring controlled displacement, whether it's moving objects in a scene or other types of mechanical motions. This careful disassembly ensures that the components remain functional and available for future students in the Interaction Lab, supporting sustainability and resourcefulness in the design process.