Special Topics Module 2

Research & Activity Documentation

Monserrat Cardenas

Project 2

Module 2

Ideation for an interactive doctor kit that combines laser cut, Arduino and AR to create a learning toy. It is a role-play toy were kids play as doctors, to discover their passion for medicine and the procedure to cure a patient.

Activity 1

Activity 1 Testing board.

60% play daily
Toys are not disappearing.
My little doctor must fit into daily fast play sessions. .

40% creative toys
33% digital gamesKids want creation plus stimulation.An AR as an accessory could make my little doctor functional for both audiences.

13.3% chose role-play. Create a role play game with game systems to make it interactive.

Activity 2

Activity 2 AR testing

I created basic images with different compositions to test how the AR visuals should appear. The first option does not use an X-ray and instead shows a simple animation. The second option presents a clearer composition for displaying the X-ray, which helps communicate the diagnosis more effectively. I am also considering adding notes in a different way and experimenting with alternative text layouts. I may include secondary images that explain how to treat the condition and provide clear instructions for the player.

After learning how to use Reality Composer, I used two images as triggers. The first option shows an animation of a girl coughing, using coulors so children do not have to see the X-ray. The second option displays a colourful X-ray overlay above the real image. After testing, I realized it is better to keep the X-ray concept and add additional images to explain the procedure and the story without overwhelming the player. This approach also makes the experience more interactive.

The testing involved viewing the board in 3D. Through this process, I realized that the initial composition of the board was not as engaging as it could be. The design would benefit from including dedicated spaces inside the board to store the legs, arms, and cards. To improve organization and usability, I am considering adding a special drawer inside the game where these components can be stored when not in use.

Project 2

Project Concept

My little doctor kit is an interactive toy that combines laser cutting, Arduino, and augmented reality (AR) to create a learning experience for children. The toy is designed as a role-playing game where kids can play as doctors, discovering their passion for medicine and learning about the procedures to cure patients.

For the final prototyping I used the board and connected the wires with the makey makey, the makey makey is just part of the prototype, The final design will be with Arduino.

Testing Action Research

Testing my audience and their needs.

People really liked the game, but they think it might be too ambitious. I tend to be very surrealist in my ideas, so sometimes I underestimate how complex a project can become. I actually thought this would be easier than some of my previous projects.
I’ve decided to focus on the 2D AR version so it takes less time to develop. At the same time, I will start defining the target audience and planning user testing while I continue learning how to use Arduino.

From peer feedback, I've learned what is my next steps for project 3. I’ll begin with redesigning the board in a way that the tiy is visually aesthetic, use other toys as example. Work on Arduino and the sounds. Test the design again until its ready to launch. I feel the feedback helped me understand the ideas of letting the AR as a secondary option, think more about the box and the accessibility and UX ( affordability and triggers of the game). The primary research made me understand that the role play game, might need a goal and a task to make it more fun. The peer feedback was short and I wished I had more critique, during classes I will pull my design to get feedback more often to create a good work for the final submission.

My research based on talking to Ewa Borowczak about my project adn asked her for recommendations. She told me she made a big research after Aero was paused, and reality composer was the best option.

I downloaded it and started watching video of how it works.

In my feedback with Steve he mentioned to only trigger one image for the game, as my idea was to big for only one person.

Research Reflection

The project has not been what I expected I am scared of not having the ideal final design. I feel every project in physical computing have helped me to prepare for doing my own project, but now I feel kinda stuck on the process, I do not know if this project is what they are looking for, in the industry. This project will help me show variety. I will have to change reality composer with other software as it doesn't let me share a QR code for testing.

Next Steps

From peer feedback, I've learned what is my next steps for project 3 prototyping. I’ll begin with mid fidelity for AR. Test the Arduino. Once the interaction feels ready to test, I will ask for feedback from peers during some classes, and continue levelling up the prototype following the action research. From the feedback I will focus on: Creating the graphic design and colours. Laser cutting and wires integrations.