Physical Computing HS2019

Lecturers: Luke Franzke

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.

Course Goals

The students learn how to handle hardware and software in order to prototype their own ideas. The students develop an understanding of the characteristics of physical interactions and demonstrate them through functional prototypes. From a technical perspective, students learn the basics of electronics, microcontroller programming (Arduino), working with digital and analogue sensors and actuators.

Course Structure

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 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? 

Task:

Create an interactive device that communicates with one or more emotions. What technological requirements are there for such emotion to be communicated? How does this emotion assist improve interaction with this device? 

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

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.

• Individual Documentation (30%)
• Group Work (70%)

Individual Documentation (30%) 

1. Workbook documentation of exercises and minor projects from weeks 1 and 2.
2. Presentation of Minor Project

Group Work (70%)

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

Final Presentation notes:

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

References and Links

• Introductory Slides
• Electronic Basics
• Projektbox
• Linksammlung
• Projektsammlung
• Literatursammlung

Schedule