HCDE 210: Prototyping Sprint

This week I work with Ben to prototype electronics using the littleBits kit. LittleBits are like Lego(s). It simply works by connecting power (blue), input (pink) and output (green) components in order and it works without having to code or solder anything. Although the simplicity of the kit allows us to rapidly prototype, the kit can restrict the outcome of the prototype as not all components are available to use or how the simplicity of the component restricts a complex input or output. For example, in our pet’s project where we try to keep the pet’s active, we thought of using the camera, which did not come with the kit, in order to allow the owner to view their pets and play with them. Still, I love how the kit allows us to physically interact, manipulate and see how the electronics is programmed.

What I've learned

I keep asking how does littleBits’ components work. As I prototype the pet’s alarm, I discovered that the littleBits component did not behave in the way I have anticipated. For instance, I have to press forward button on the MP3 player to play barking sound, even though the input is true. This demonstrates the need for programmable boards, such as Arduino, as we develop the prototype. The littleBits is used because a rapid and a low fidelity prototyping allow us to think through the idea and concepts. Although we can address the pet’s owner with a better solution, the limitation of the prototyping components restricts how we choose our solution. This means that we have to compromise the usability, desirability and practice for prototyping. On the other hand, I should not restrict my idea due to the limitation of the medium. Instead, I should find the best alternative medium to prototype my ideas.

How are the 'littleBits' components used?

In order to detect the day or night, we used LDR (light dependent resistor) instead of using a timer, which was not provided with the kit. However, in a more developed version, we will use both the LDR and the timer. This is because it will detect whether the owner is home or not and detects the time when the sunlight is not reliable. For instance, in the winter evening when it is dark outside and the owner came home and turns on the light. Whereas the button is used to detect the weight on the bed, if the pet sleeps on the bed it will close the switch. If both LDR and the button is closed the MP3 player will start playing the barking sound file to the speaker output. The barking sound will then wakes up the pet.