SLAVI KALOFEROV

User Experience Researcher

Final Prototype Iteration Before Deadline

Prototype Iteration 4

The cycling reflective vest we purchased from Amazon closely matched the shape of our previous prototype, facilitating a smooth transition of equipment for us. Currently, for attaching the motors, Arduino, and battery, we are using tape reinforced with safety pins, as our final decision on integration with the wiring is still pending.

We received a good number of positive responses to the vest’s aesthetic. The vest’s shape automatically associates it with cycling, safety, or navigation. However, if we wish to test it for other purposes, the visual appearance may slightly bias people’s responses.

Working on a desk with Physical Computing in the Creative Technology Lab (CTL), London College of Communication (LCC).
Adjusting the vest prototype on Romit.
Testing if the vibration is working and how strong it feels.
Fine-tuning vibration patterns and discussing potential applications.

Testing

First Experiment

In the initial experiment, we uploaded a code that randomly activates various motors, allowing the wearer to experience movement in space.

The purpose of this activity is to observe the meanings and applications individuals generate in response. We considered the influence of the surrounding space/environment on their final responses.

Second Experiment

In the second experiment conducted in two steps, we integrated a heart rate sensor. The first involved sensing one’s own pulse, and the second involved sensing another person’s pulse.

Our interest lay in understanding how individuals would perceive and respond to the sensation of their heartbeat and whether it would enhance their connection to others, potentially increasing empathy.

Participant experiences my heart rate through the vibration of our wearable vest prototype.

Cycling vest shape tooks away the potential applications subconsciously – need to test in low fidelity in the future if changing the purposes.

Engineering the Vest with the Physical Computing Components

Created a flat unfolded copy of the vest to map the physical computing on the vest.
Mapping the suitable positions for micro vibrating motors using the topology of the mannequin, the shape of the actual vest and our insights from previous research exercises.
Vest with the marked placement of vibrating components and non-sensitive zones.

Visual Identity

Moodboard for the vest. Keywords: energy, edgy, invisible and minimalist.
Prompt: electrical signals effect in neon yellow.
Prompt: abstract thin rays of light going in random directions in neon yellow.
Prompt: fibreglass cable rays of light going in random directions in neon green-yellow.
Prompt: fibreglass cable rays of light in a shape of a sphere going in random directions in neon yellow-green colour.
Product presentation of the vest.

Creating a brand around our vest with a story really helped us to focus on specific experience, thus, influence our making direction.

Concept Explainer Animation

Storyboard of one direction for our prototype.
Animatic of the direction from the storyboard.
Iteration of our main character for the 2D animation.
Character prepared for animation rigging.
Asset prepared for rigging.

To enhance the narrative of our prototype, adopting a first-person perspective we agreed would be most effective in establishing a stronger connection with the audience. Consequently, we decided to forego the 2D animation in favour of 3D animation, recognising that it would be more impactful than filming given our skill limitations and limited equipment. This choice ensures a more compelling presentation, and we were able to use the 2D animation as a foundation for our concept.

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