chibimuse

My core class in university this semester is based around electronics and human interactions with objects. We are exploring new ways to use sensors and electronic output (such as motors, lights, and sound) to create a unique and meaningful 'interaction'.
Or as Phnelt re-interpreted the assignment: what can you look at and think "this could be more sonic!"

For our first mini intro project we made a rudimentary lego mindstorms robot crocodile that opened it's mouth and eyes when someone waved a hand in front of it, wagged it's tail when it heard sounds, and snapped it's mouth shut when a button it it's mouth was touched. Very cool, but not particularly original or creative as far as the application of electronics go.

So now I've got a very basic understanding of how sensors and digital output programming works, and no idea what to do with it.
Our class brainstormed a bunch of ideas, but it came down to the fact that there are very few situations where I'm not already interacting with electronics, and I don't really want to add more electronics to my life. Ever seen those TV adds for gizmos that automate something that really didn't need it, like scissors? DO NOT WANT. It just makes things more complicated, annoying, and dependent on batteries.

Lots of the ideas from our class were focused on medical technology. Last year someone made a waist belt that vibrated in specific spots depending on where sounds were coming from, for Deaf people to have an improved awareness of their surroundings. Another was a prototype of a pair of rain boots that lit up different colours based on whether they were in water or not.

The best route seems to be making our interactions with things that already involve electronics more "sonic" somehow. Does anyone on the flist have a deep need for something in their life to be more sonic?

I've been doing research for design and trying to get a little more immersed in modern design, whatevers new and current, so I've started going to some design blogs. Most of the stuff is hypothetical. There's only one, made by the designer as a sample, and the chances of it being put into production are pretty slim. But some of them are awesome ideas, so I'm going to try and post some of the cooler ones. (at least that way I will be updating my LJ more often!)

Yanko Design: Get your Buckle on
This is one thing I really liked
It's a pretty cool idea, but it's kind of been done already. Really, it's two big couch cushions buckled together. Or, if you want to get really fancy, its like those kids foam matresses that are attached on one side and fold up. I could totally make one of those out of some couch cushions and sewing supplies! You could even make some really nice cushion covers and make it custom with pretty fabric. I'm tempted to make one just to prove it can be done.

It wouldn't really be any more comfortable than sleeping on a couple of couch cushions though! Even if they used their shnazzy designer foam. It would be fun, if you have room for a comfy armchair and have overnight visitors pretty often, or if you don't have room for a couch.

Apartment Therapy: Mahjong Sofa
The Mah Jong sofa from Roche-Bobois is a more advanced version of this, but I think it detracts from the idea, it's too complex. Might as well have a couch!