Group Research Project - Review and Reflection

Group work is a voyage of discovery and learning that tests our team's communication and problem-solving skills. In this blog, I would like to review and analyze the whole collaborative process and performance, and evaluate the work of another group.

Background and Innitial Inspirations

We approached this project as an exploration of human interaction, focusing on the physical connection of face-to-face contact and creating a responsive art installation through technology.

At the outset, at Brandon's suggestion, our goal was to design an interactive artwork that would be able to transform a face captured by a scanner into a 3D stereoscopic visual experience in real time, similar to the effect of a 3D printer. We agreed that this was a relatively feasible idea, and we then brainstormed.

During an evening dorm discussion, Lin and I came up with the idea of using magnet technology to enable rapid generation of actual 3D models. The technology consists of powdered or liquid magnets, coils, acrylic sheets, and a computer, which allows the magnets to instantly form different shapes by varying the current strength and position of the coils. This idea allows us to display the scanned patterns through a three-dimensional solid. Although this was a highly creative program, we faced limitations in our ability and time to build such a complex project in three days. Thus, we had to rethink the project.

Project adjustments and new directions

Soon after, Lin came up with a brand new idea. He suggested that we design a wearable interaction device that would allow people to engage in basic social activities with friends or family offline, rather than being limited to online communication. We took the time to discuss and refine the proposal. In the end, we completed the project using VR glasses and a wearable camera.

The project consists of a gimbal, camera, connecting arm, vest, handle, VR glasses, and storage box. During the development of the project, I had also suggested using a drone instead of a camera. However, after a group discussion, we agreed that the introduction of a drone could be saved for a future second version to further enhance the experience.

In future versions, furthermore, the device will be able to recognize human movements, not just the user's own, through infrared via an infrared camera on the drone, a technology that extends the device's range of perception, allowing it to focus not just on a single user, but also to capture behaviors in a wider range of environments in real time. This includes the person next to the user. When people are gathered together, the device can recognize the movement of each person around them through infrared, generating real-time feedback. The system may respond through light and shadow or virtual character interactions, creating a multiplayer effect. For example, if a user are watching a VR interactive movie (like Carne y arena), the device could change the plot path based on the collective actions of the user and those around them. That can allow the actions of those around each person to have a real impact on the movie scenario.

Teamwork and Individual Contribution

As a team member, I was mainly responsible for the inspiration development and prototype creation. I was involved in sketching the design to make sure the camera could move flexibly to counteract the unstable movement that occurs when the user walks around. I poked holes in the cardboard to connect the thermosol stick to the cardboard by using the thermosol stick as a rotating bearing. Ensuring mobility. In addition to the technical work, I also participated in the inspiration development discussions, working together to discuss the overall art direction and timeline of the project.

Our group communication was mainly through offline meetings located on the first floor of the dormitory building every night and WeChat, which resulted in overall smooth communication. During the crafting process, our tasks were clearly assigned, and each member took on the part that he or she was good at: Sagrario completed the overall coloring and decorating tasks, Lin finished the vest, Brandon realized the controller and glasses, and I was responsible for making the detailed parts of the camera and the head. This demonstrates good teamwork.

Reflections

Pros 👍：

• Our program attracted Shanghainese in 2124 to participate in offline interactions through VR and technology.

• During the collaborative manufacturing process, our tasks were clearly assigned, and each person had his/her own part that he/she was clearly responsible for. Each member actively contributed their skills.

Cons 👎：

• We didn't fully consider the integration of hardware and software. After we finished the project, we realized that the hardware itself was not interactive, and that designing the hardware alone would not achieve my definition of interaction. So we should have spent more effort on designing the software. For example, we could have designed a game that allowed people to have some kind of interaction. But we didn't do that, and in the next instance, we'll spend more time on developing this interactive game.

• We didn't plan our time very well. All tasks were scheduled to be completed in the last days, instead of the project being brainstormed immediately at the beginning. This resulted in our project being limited to basic interactive features, with no way to reflect and upgrade the project to make a second, better version.

• Each of us lacked mastery. It is difficult for all of us to have a wealth of inspiration and the ability to translate life's observations into artistic expression. We should deepen our record of problems encountered in life to serve as inspiration during group brainstorming sessions.

• Lack of interactive dimensions. Adding more interactive dimensions like sound or touch would indeed enrich the user experience and allow for deeper engagement.

Evaluate –《Embrace》🫂

Our goal is to make users to experience physical feedback in reality through haptic technology and internet haptic devices. I think this is a very worthwhile project. If I were in an investment organization, I would be lobbying hard for investors to participate in this project to raise R&D funds.

I think the most impressive part of this work is how they have creatively virtualized the sensory experience by making the otherwise untouchable connection between people tangible through remote connectivity, which increases the physical connection between people over long distances and removes the barriers to physical contact due to distance. It allows love to overcome distance, and it is as if we are together no matter how far away we are. A suggestion for improvement is that the device can be further expanded to the entire body. This way the people can get more details of the limbs during an embrace. In addition, temperature and humidity sensors can be added to transmit the temperature and humidity of the body to the other person.

Conclusion

Cliché outcome, useful experience. I not only learned how to work better with a team, but also gained a deeper understanding of the combination of technology and art. This experience made me realize that teamwork and open communication are crucial when facing complex problems.