Vibe Check Experience Design December 2023

Overview


The objective of this project, which I worked on with Natalie Orlando, was to measure happiness using a distinctive voting system. Users could express their emotions by placing colored balls into a container designed like a face. The container featured a projected face that would change depending on the color of the ball. 


    Objective

    Our goal was to develop a user-friendly and intuitive platform that allows individuals to express their feelings through a novel physical-digital interface, enhancing the overall user experience of emotional expression.

    Research & Insights

    We conducted extensive primary research on emotion perception and expression, including user interviews and usability testing. Key insights included:
    • Color associations with specific emotions
    • Effective facial expressions for conveying feelings
    • User preferences for interactive emotional expression methods



    Design Process


    Conceptualization
    Brainstorming ideas for combining physical and digital elements

    Prototyping
    Creating initial prototypes of the face-shaped container and digital interface

    User Testing
    Conducting iterative user tests to refine the design






    Technical Implementation


    Arduino

    Integrated and controlled the color sensor in the voting box

    Touch Designer
    Created dynamic facial expressions based on sensor inputs
    Projection system
    Displayed changing facial expressions on the container



    Physical construction
    Custom-built face-shaped container for holding colored balls
     



    Challenges

    1. Calibrating the color sensor for accurate detection: Solved through extensive testing and fine-tuning.
    1. Syncing the physical input with digital output in real-time: Addressed by optimizing the Arduino and Touch Designer integration.
    2. Designing intuitive color-emotion associations: Resolved through user testing and iterative design