Page Comparison

Image Added

Lecturers: Luke Franzke & Florian Bruggisser

Course Overview

In this course, we will look at physical computing as a method of interaction design. Our definition of Physical Computing refers to the use of hardware and software to make interactive objects that can respond to events in the real world. These events may be general knowledge about the environment (temperature, brightness, etc.) or user interactions (keystroke, motion, speech, etc.). These devices might respond with direct feedback through displays or actuators, or by performing actions in a digital environment. The challenge of physical computing is to make the interface between human and machine as simple and intuitive as possible by taking physical human abilities and habits into account.

...

The course takes place in two separate blocks: Physical Computing Basics in the first two weeks and the Main Project in the last two weeks. Int the first In the first block, students will work individually through the introductory topics, while the Main Project is in groups of two to three students. 

Topic 2019: Empathetic Machines: 

The topic of Anthopormism in Robotics is as old as the field itself. Can and should a robot look like us? Can interactions between human and machine be more powerful if we can empathise with the machine because of it's a human-like form of behaviour? We are social animals, and a large portion of our brain is dedicated to social tasks, from recognising emotions to predicting the thoughts, intentions and future actions of people around us. It, therefore, makes sense that we exploit these capabilities when designing interactions. Anthropomorphism is an intrinsic tendency of human, but we must also take care to avoid the uncanny valley or interactions that appear insincere. 

But what of everyday interactive devices that may be informed by anthropomorphic characteristics? Would we be more likely to partake in sustainable consumerism of electronics if the devices were more like people? Would we be healthier if our Fitbit got angry with us? What would an envious Roomba act like? 

Topics Readings:

http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.60.297&rep=rep1&type=pdf

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=812787

https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/humanities/sociology/in-search-of-the-new-human-machine-empathy/

Emphatic Devices:

Cozmo Robot toy

Personal Material

Please bring your personal computer to all classes. If you have a newer MacBook with USB C, bring an adapter to work with standard USB cables. A personal notebook is also recommended. 

Expectations and Grading

Grades will be based on group presentations, class participation, home assignments, documentation and final work. An attendance of min. 80% is required to pass the course.

...

1. Workbook documentation of all exercises and minor projects from weeks 1 and 2.
2. Document every circuit you built (or attempted to build) with a photo. Include your code when appropriate, a drawn schematic of each circuit and include notes/observations.  
3. Presentation of Minor Project.

Group Work (60%)

1. Final Prototype of Object
2. Final Presentation
3. Standard IAD Documentation 
   • Video (Making of, Final Prototype)
   • Image selection
   • Short Documentation (PDF)

...

• 5 minutes for presentation, and 5 minutes for feedback and discussion
• Live demonstration of your project 
Explain
• Show the process
and the thinking
• that brought you to this outcome 
• Live demonstration of your project 

References and Links

...

1. Introductory Lecture 
2. Project Briefs 2019
3. Project box 2020
4. Exercises

...

2. Physical Computing Resources
3. Physical Computing Lab - Sensors

Topic 2019: Empathetic Machines: 

2019 Topics Readings

Schedule

Todo:

Materials to order:

...