Module 1 Activity Research

Weekly Activity Template

Sherise Cheung

Project 1

Module 1

This module introduced physical computing by exploring how sensors, microcontrollers, and interactive technologies can capture and respond to human behaviors. Through research and group discussions, we were able to come up with a prototype proposal for a interactive art project that will guide us through the next 2 modules.

Activity 1

Download and install Arduino IDE to program the Arduino Uno board

Setting up the Arduino IDE and connecting the Arduino Uno board to my laptop. This is Arduino's starting code, which pops up everytime the app is opened. Although not everything needed is downloaded from the library, the basic functions are already included.

From teams I downloaded the blink code that programs the Arduino Uno board to blink for a certain amount of time within a certain amount of time (It's adjustable in the code).

Activity 2

My ProtoPie certificate after completing the ProtoPie tutorial.

After loging into ProtoPie, I was able to access the codes for out class that includes the 'TempHumidControl' file. This is the final that we're focusing on using for today's class, it displays the location's real-time temperature and humidity.

We also dowloaded ProtoPie Connect, which is an extension for ProtoPie that allows us to prototype with other devices, displays, hardware, and APIs. I'm using it to connect the ProtoPie interface with the Arduino Uno board.

I imported the code TemHumid_withControls into Arduino IDE to control and declare variables for the sensors and ProtoPie display.

Activity 3

Downloaded and logged in to TouchDesigner, which is likely the main tool we'll be using as we decided to take a art approach for our project.

Importing the TouchDesigner file that was shared in class into TouchDesigner and experimenting with the code inside it.

Following along with the steps Steve showed us in class, we created a code on our own. During this process, I've learned more about the tools it provides, and how to use and design with TouchDesigner.

Research Activity

WGSN Consumer Trend Research

I explored how emerging technologies in sports and sustainable food can enhance experiences by combining personalization, AI, and eco-conscious practices. These trends inspired me to think about designing interactions that are both emotionally engaging and socially meaningful.

Category 1: Tech & Sports & Outdoor Innovation Highlights. MotoSurfs (US) Phase 3 Board delivers an electric surfing experience with powerful acceleration and lightweight design, ensuring stability, agility and portability for riders of all skill levels.

Category 2: Sustainable Food Tech. Winnows (UK) VisionAI+ system tracks food waste to produce monthly coaching sessions on waste reduction in up to five language options per tablet to support international employees.

WGSN Personas Research

The Privacy Keepers and Energizers was a new persona concept for me and it helped me understand how different users approach technologies and how I should design accordingly.

Persona 1: The Privacy Keepers. The 2025 Lancia Ypsilon features interior components by Cassina (both Italy) in Luminous Blue saddle leather.

Persona 2: The Energisers. This Sage Automotive Interiors (US) fabric blends modern geometric patterns with inviting hues of Clay and Wax Paper.

HMI Research

By identifying key challenges in the trends it revealed design opportunities. The HMW questions helped me frame design directions that connect users to emotional and ethical outcomes.

HMI 1: Only 39% of consumers globally are willing to pay more for sustainable fitness and sports equipment.

HMI 2: Only 4% of rural areas in Africa have access to refrigeration.

Project Path

I chose an artistic path focused on reflective, emotional experiences rather than functionality alone. This direction encourages collaboration, storytelling, and interactive art that evokes memory, thought, and connection across diverse perspectives.

Possible Project Direction 1: Having the projection/design move and change according to audience's movement.

Possible Project Direction 2: Floor projection that's triggered and affected by audience's movement.

Project 1 Concept

"Eclipse" evoke reflection on time and impermanence, guiding us onto developing something that's emotionally engaging and poetic. Designing something that prioritize feeling and memory over functionality.

This is the brief visual sketch we made to illustrate our Eclipse project concept.