Assignment 4: Interactive Character or Object Kit

Tangible Interaction Design, Profs. Martin and Roehr, Fall 2008

Assigned: Thu Sep 25
Due: Part 1—Thu Oct 2
Part 2—Tue Oct 14

Audience:

Choose from the following groups:

Ages 7-10
Ages 11-14
Ages 15-18
College folk

Objective:

To integrate 2D and 3D forms.
To learn vector-based draw program INKSCAPE.
To learn how to use the laser cutter.
To share your work with the Ponoko community.

Goal:

Create a 3D character or object composed of 2D shapes (that you will design) that “performs/acts” one of the verbs from the list below when triggered by human interaction. VERBS: twist, bounce, fly, jump, flip, flop, wave, wink, dance, spin, bite, wag, crawl, hop, swim, clomp, run.

Medium:

Prototype (part 1) will be made out of cardboard; final product (part 2) will be based on sheet acrylic plastic, 1/8" thick (this supplied by TID).

You can also use any sort of fastener and connective part necessary to execute your design; e.g., ribbon, string, elastic, screws, rubbber bands, etc. (You must supply these accessories.)

Tools:

For the prototype: pencil, #11 X-Acto knife

For the final product: Laser cutter in Fred's lab

Suggestions:

Make a list of ways to to use the verb. Think of characters/objects that could carry this out (when touched by human hands)

Research:

Look at the designs available at ponoko.com (either give-away plans or plans for sale). Search for other examples of laser-cut custom designs.

Process:

Part 1 In one week, a prototype is due and will be exhibited in class. The prototype should be made out of cardboard and may be hand-cut. The prototype should demonstrate the idea you are trying to execute, and any mechanisms involved in your concept should be worked out and functional in the prototype.

Part 2 Between the demonstration of the prototype and the final due date, you will transform the prototype into a finished piece. This will involve refining the idea, but also, transforming your concept into electronic form so that it can be manufactured on our laser cutter and given away (or sold) on ponoko.com.

Specifically, you will:

Draw your concept as vector art inside of Inkscape (or a commercial vector art software, such as Adobe Illustrator)
Learn how to import this design into the software that runs the laser cutter
Test your design by cutting cardboard stock on the laser cutter
Produce a final product using the sheet acrylic stock
Upload your design plans to ponoko.com (and decide whether you'd like to give them away or try to sell them)
Make a link from the interactive-character-turnin page to your Ponoko plans.

You'll have 12 days for Part 2 of the assignment.

Finished size:

Up to you—must be able to be displayed by handing on wall, or table top.

For your final product, each student will receive up to one 12" x 24" of sheet plastic (1/8" thick). If you need more than this, you will have to buy it yourself.

Writing:

Final project sheet that includes the name of your object, how it works, and how you came up with this idea. See separate sheet. Also must include a process folder.