Aro:

Our first sprint focused on building the physical wristband prototype and learning the AxiDraw engraving system. We successfully completed the wristband construction, with Galina cutting and bonding the silicone base layer to the PVC color layer. Two of the three layers are now assembled and we are waiting on the top layer (the paint) to arrive. Meanwhile, Aro worked through the AxiDraw documentation, installed Inkscape with the AxiDraw extension, and conducted initial test prints. However, we discovered a major blocker, which was that our power supply outputs low voltage, causing the AxiDraw to produce weirds, innacurate drawings and strange mechanical noises. Dr. Jones ordered a replacement charger with the correct specifications (9V DC, 2A), and while waiting for it to arrive, we've used the time productively by exploring pattern generation approaches and beginning the Fitbit API setup ahead of schedule. Our strategy was to split tasks while remaining available to help each other, which worked well. 

We're confident we'll quickly complete the AxiDraw setup once the new charger arrives because we've studied the documentation and understand the workflow. Overall, we achieved our wristband construction goals and made solid progress in understanding the engraving system despite the hardware setback. 

Galina:

In this sprint, me and Aro focused on learning how to use the AxiDraw and worked on constructing the physical wristband prototype. Aro mainly worked on the former and I on the latter. I believe that we did a substantial job in working on our sprint plan, making meaningful progress toward our sprint goals while also effectively breaking down the technical challenges we encountered.

My primary contribution to this sprint was building the physical prototyping and material experimentation. I researched wristband layering techniques to better understand the dimensions I would need for the silicone and PVC. Based on this, I cut the silicone base layer and PVC middle layer to the correct dimensions and later assembled them using adhesive. By the end of the sprint, I successfully bonded these two layers and prepared the surface for the final paint layer, which still needs to be applied. 

In addition to working on the prototype, I also learned about how the AxiDraw works from Aro. I learned with Aro how Inkscape and its controls are used to have vector designs translate into plottable paths in order to draw. Me and Aro ran a simple star design and observed inaccuracies in the output, which led us to begin troubleshooting calibration issues such as X/Y alignment and pen positioning.

One of the most significant challenges we encountered was a hardware limitation with the AxiDraw power supply. The device was not receiving sufficient voltage, which caused inaccurate drawings and unusual mechanical behavior. While waiting for a replacement charger, I shifted focus to tasks that could still move the project forward, such as completing the wristband assembly and preparing materials for future engraving.

In reflection, I think we worked effectively on this sprint by splitting responsibilities while still collaborating during troubleshooting. Aro focused more on configuring and understanding the AxiDraw system, while I focused on the physical prototype. In all, we are making successful progress towards completeing our project and have worked efficiently together in figuring out the problems when issues arose (like the failed test drawing).