SDP 2: Tactile Speaker 2.0
The wireless speaker designed in the SDP2 project is an innovative device that engages the senses of touch, sight, motion, and hearing for users with visual and hearing impairments. The speaker features an ultrasonic sensor that detects motion and triggers a buzzer to vibrate, providing a tactile experience for users. Additionally, the speaker includes an LED light that could be controlled based on its brightness level. The speaker's most distinctive feature is its ability to connect to the internet of things (IoT) through a QR code. When users scan the QR code, they are directed to a webpage that displays their music statistics and allows them to control the speaker's settings related to vibration frequency patterns and LED light's brightness level. The webpage also features a digital assistant tool called 'Wiress', which enables users to interact with the device using natural language. This feature is particularly beneficial for visually impaired users, who can use kinaesthetic interactions to ask 'Wiress' questions and receive audible responses. The speaker's design was created with somatic design principles in mind including features that consider the bodily knowledge and experiences of users. The speaker is a device that provides an inclusive and accessible musical experience for users with disabilities.
Ideation
To start with the project, we first created a mind map just like the first project to gather our ideas on how the product can be connected to the internet.
Sketch
After creating the mind map of the project, we decided to sketch out what the prototype could look like on paper.
Design Process
The images and steps starting to the right show the design process of the Tactile Speaker
Feature Highlight 1
In this step, we created a list of features which we are going to add to the prototype.
Feature Highlight 2
The continuation of the first feature highlight.
Gathering of Materials
After all the sketches and the feature highlights, we decided to gather all the materials necessary to build the prototype. We gathered some old cardboard, a printed QR code, some tape, the ultrasonic sensor, the buzzer and the old prototype from SDP 1.
Difficulties Faced
The main difficulty that we faced was lacking a loud buzzer. Our solution was to use another type of buzzer which we already had to showcase the buzzing sound.
Assembly
After the materials were gathered, we assembled the arduino board, connected all the wires, cut and taped the cardboard and QR code to the cup.
Evaluation
The SDP2 project is a well-designed and innovative device that engages the senses of touch, sight, motion, and hearing for users with visual and hearing impairments. The project's incorporation of somatic design principles and social responsibility design is commendable, as it reflects a deep understanding of the user's needs and experiences. The device's ability to connect to the IoT and its digital assistant tool called 'Wiress' are the main features as they enable users to interact with the device using natural language and provide a more accessible experience for visually impaired users. While the project encountered a few technical difficulties, the team was able to find solutions to them and create a functional prototype to showcase. Overall, the SDP2 project is a great learning experience which creates a device that showcases the importance of somatic design principles and social responsibility design in creating a more accessible and inclusive environment for users with disabilities.