Experiment 5: Katlin Walsh

Project Description 

While interactive media content displayed within galleries has been updated within the last 5-10 years, presentation formats for tradeshows have not. Digi-Cart brings an adaptive presentation style to the classic concept of a tool cart. Robust building materials and pegboard construction allows corporations to adapt their layout and presentation style to reflect their current corporate event. 

Digi-Cart features a basic controller layout which can be overlayed with a company’s vinyl poster cutout to create an interactive presentation that can be facilitated by an expert or self guided. Corporations are encouraged to update their digital materials & create animated graphics to capture audience attention. 

Context

Technical Updates

CODE

The only code changes done for this project iteration was to rename and reorder some variables based off of student feedback from the team. Based on user feedback, it was found that the next and back buttons on Digi-Cart 1.0 took the concept of rebranding a powerpoint presentation too literally. Instead, the next and back buttons were renamed to feature a different category for the team.

Additionally, the images displayed on the screen in iteration 2.0 were edited for quality and clarity of information. 

Github Content – Changes to the code were not required from Digi-Cart 1.0 to Digi-Cart 2.0

WIRING

All wires were desoldered, shortened, and plugged back into the arduino with clear labels using electrical tape. Additionally, a resistor was taped next to the circuit and labeled for ease of use when adapting the circuit for later projects. 

The controller diagram did not need to be updated for this project update, however some wires were swapped out on the circuit itself.

Visual Updates

CONTROLLER

All bolts were removed from the whiteboard controller based off of 1374’s feedback. As students kept catching their clothing on the bolts, an eye catching but flat button was requested for upgrades. Using conductive copper tape, the holes drilled for the bolts were covered. Additionally, removable pieces of vinyl were added around each button in order to increase understanding of presentation sections. 

At this stage it was found that the current copper tape being used did not feature a conductive adhesive, so the controller was found to be less reliable overall. It was added to the list of things to fix in a future update of the cart.

ADD ONS

A sticker was designed and cut using a Cricut Vinyl Cutter. Additionally, a letterbox was adapted to hold tools or pens to be added to the cart, and letter business card, and brochure holders were drilled so that they could be mounded to the pegboard. 

Upon review, students from 1374 found that the cart was difficult to transport through doorways due to the mounted controller sticking out too far when collapsed. To remedy this, the bolts attaching the coat hanger mounts were shortened so that the cart would have a smaller footprint overall. 

Next Steps

Moving forward, the cart will be adapted once again for the following changes: 

1. Connect wirelessly
   1. Use PubNub connectivity to remove wire requirement on the cart
   2. Connect multiple screens to the cart so that information is broadcast dynamically throughout a trade show space
2. Modular Controller
   1. Create a mount adaptation where the whiteboard controller is velcroed to the cart
   2. Create multiple controller button layouts that the team can swap out
   3. Alter the circuit again so that it can plug in more securely
3. Increase cart functionality
   1. Drill a hole so that wires for the monitor can be fed to the extension cable without getting in the way
   2. Build a cover that hides the computer monitor more seamlessly and securely to the top of the cart
   3. Prototype battery attachment functionality for outdoor use