Experiment 5 Proposal

Zero UI (Working Title)

For Experiment 5, I’d like to expand on tangible interfaces and explore the use of Zero UI (invisible user interfaces) and having technology fully incorporated within a room (or household) with the use of pressure sensitive furniture and sensors with auditory feedback to elevate regular objects (a book) to create a more immersive experiences instead depending on screen based experiences. This experiment is an exploration in creating a multi-sensory reading experience with content catered towards the book’s contents.

The experiment would involve the use of a pressure sensor chair that lights up a nearby lamp when the participant sits down. The pressure sensor may be installed physically on the chair or hidden away with the design of a cushion or lining. The participant can pick up the book and read or flip through the book and hear the music referred in the book playing from a speaker hidden away (possible below or behind the chair). The audio would be mapped depending on what section of the book the participant is on.

The book I’d like to use is still undecided but one with many musical references such as Haruki Murakami’s book, The Wind Up Bird Chronicle, where as the book begins with the protagonist listening to Rossini’s the Thieving Magpie and refers to many other classical musicians. Another possible book could be J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit with the movie franchise’s music by Howard Shore playing instead.

Project Main Components and Parts

1. Arduino Nano
2. Flex Sensor
3. Pressure Sensor
4. MP3 Shield (?)
5. External Speakers
6. Lightbulb and Wiring (Lamp)

Additional Components and Parts

1. Chair (Supporting Prop)
2. Fabric/Cushion (To Hide/Place Sensor)
3. Book (Prop)
4. Mat Rug (Prop To Hide Cables)

Workback Schedule

Fri, Nov 22 –  Proposal Presentation
Sat, Nov 23 –  Coding + Gathering Digital Assets + Building Lo-Fi Breadboard Prototype
Sun, Nov 24 – Coding + Gathering Digital Assets + Building Lo-Fi Breadboard Prototype
Mon, Nov 25 –  Coding + Creatron for Final Components
Tues, Nov 26 –  Presenting Progress of Lo-Fi Breadboard Prototype + Revisions
Wed, Nov 27 – Prop Purchasing
Thurs, Nov 28 – Laser Cutting Components and Coding
Friday, Nov 29 – Troubleshooting / Bug Fixes
Sat, Nov 30 – Troubleshooting / Bug Fixes
Sun, Dec 1 –  Troubleshooting / Bug Fixes
Mon, Dec 2 – Troubleshooting / Bug Fixes
Tues, Dec 3 – Final Critique
Wed, Dec 4 – Open Show

Physical Installation

I’d like to ideally place the set up in the corner of a room and with dimmer lighting so the lighting from the lamp is more visible when it turns on. Supporting objects within the set up would be the chair participants can sit on with the sensor attached.

Resource List

1. Chair and Side table
2. Will need extension cords for power
3. External speakers

Info for Open Show

Preferably displayed in the Grad Gallery room. I will just need an electrical outlet nearby or extension cord. We will need to book external speakers from AV.