Mante Zygelyte @mantezygelytesf - Tumblr Blog

The FamFocuser Video

https://youtu.be/X7_A-uJMuaA

2 buttons + led + buzzer / 11.12.2019

Progress I made during Wednesday class. This is a code / functions that I envisioned. The only step now is to make them more believable, especially, the buzzer sound so it helps the child or the parent to refocus. Or sound that has an impact on brain work.

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//set pin numbers

const int ledPin = 2; //const won’t change const int buzzer = 9; const int buttonPin = 4; const int buttonPinA = 10;

//variables will change int buttonState = 0; //variables for reading the pushbutton status int buttonStateA = 0; int ledState = 0;

void setup() {

Serial.begin(9600); pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); //initialize the LED pin as an output pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT); //initialize the pushbutton pin as an output pinMode(buttonPinA, INPUT); }

void loop() {

digitalWrite(ledPin, ledState);

buttonStateA = 0; buttonState = 0;

while((buttonState == 0)&&(buttonStateA == 0)) { buttonState = digitalRead(buttonPin); //read the state of the pushbutton value buttonStateA = digitalRead(buttonPinA); //read the state of the pushbutton value }

if (buttonState){ tone(buzzer,3600); digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); delay(1000); noTone(buzzer); digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW); }

if (buttonStateA){ ledState = 1; digitalWrite(ledPin, ledState); tone(buzzer, 2000); delay(1000); ledState = 0; digitalWrite(ledPin, ledState); noTone(buzzer); }

while (buttonState == 1) { buttonState = digitalRead(buttonPin); } delay(100); }

prototyping: foam models and vacuum forming / 10.12.2019

I worked on some developments on forms in SOLIDWORKS software and then made them in yellow foam. After that, I vacuumed formed them to see how this material works with my device.

I only made the front part, but no back. I also drilled some holes, where I thought potentially light could come out. However, I need to cover that with some semi-transparent acrylic, so there is no direct light coming out of the LED, as I do not want this part to be visible.

Here are some photos of the process.

prototyping / 09.12.2019

Yesterday, I made a SOLIDWORKS model that I sent to 3D print. As the queue is long, I will only get it on Friday. Nevertheless, I want to experiment with this method and material, as I am curious to see how it can work out, as I think it can be more precise than working with yellow foam.

arduino: push button and LED / 06.12.2019

A simple code for turning on LED through a push button. Next step is to make push on a button so the LED stays lit up until it is interacted again with a push button, so the LED turns off. (another figure thing to figure out is how important is the resistor type)

CODE #1:

//set pin numbers const int ledPin = 2; //const won't change const int buttonPin = 4;

//variables will change int buttonState = 0; //variables for reading the pushbutton status

void setup() {

Serial.begin(9600); pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); //initialize the LED pin as an output pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT); //initialize the pushbutton pin as an output }

void loop() {

buttonState = digitalRead(buttonPin); //read the state of the pushbutton value

if (buttonState == HIGH) { //check if the pushbutton is pressed //if it is, the buttonState is HIGH digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); //turn LED on Serial.println("LED ON +++++++"); } else {

digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW); // turn LED off Serial.println("LED OFF -------"); }

}

________________________________________________________________

Step 2 achieved! Pepjin helped me to develop the code further, so the light stays on, when the push button is on and turns off when the push button is pushed on again. The next step would be to incorporate more LEDs in the code.

CODE #2:

//set pin numbers const int ledPin = 2; //const won't change const int buttonPin = 4;

//variables will change int buttonState = 0; //variables for reading the pushbutton status int ledState = 0;

void setup() {

Serial.begin(9600); pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); //initialize the LED pin as an output pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT); //initialize the pushbutton pin as an output }

void loop() {

digitalWrite(ledPin, ledState);

buttonState = 0; while(buttonState == 0) { buttonState = digitalRead(buttonPin); //read the state of the pushbutton value }

if (ledState == 0){ ledState = 1; } else {ledState = 0;}

while (buttonState == 1) { buttonState = digitalRead(buttonPin); } delay(100); }

arduino prototyping / 01.12.2019

Today I used piezo buzzer to create some tones. Here is a useful video that I used as an introduction to the piezo buzzer and the type of notes I can play with it.

CODE #1:

const int buzzer = 9;

void setup(){

pinMode(buzzer, OUTPUT);

}

void loop(){

tone(buzzer, 1000); delay(1000); noTone(buzzer); delay(1000);

}

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CODE #2:

int SPEAKER = 9;

int freq = 100;

void setup() { pinMode(SPEAKER, OUTPUT); }

void loop() { freq += 100;

if (freq > 8000) { noTone(SPEAKER); freq = 50; }

tone(SPEAKER, freq);

delay(100); }

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I am thinking that I could incorporate sound in my design, so it could give this feeling of going through “re-focus” procedure. Maybe it could be a sound that accompanies the whole procedure or maybe a sound in the end that indicates that time is up.

arduino prototyping continued / 01.12.2019

With help of Yanqi’s knowledge, I managed to control the brightness of my LEDs. I changed the jumper’s position, so they all would be connect to numbers that are marked with PWM. As well as, changed from digitalWrite to analogWrite to inidicate the brightness.

CODE #3:

int LED1 = 11; int LED2 = 10; int LED3 = 9;

void setup() { pinMode(LED1, OUTPUT); pinMode(LED2, OUTPUT); pinMode(LED3, OUTPUT); }

void loop() { analogWrite(LED1, 15); delay(800); analogWrite(LED2, 15); delay(800); analogWrite(LED3, 15); delay(800); analogWrite(LED1, 0); analogWrite(LED2, 0); analogWrite(LED3, 0); delay(800); }

arduino prototyping / 29.11.2019

My idea behind was that LEDs give a feeling of uploading function. However, in this video tutorial, the LEDs turn off one by one. Instead, I want them to turn off together at once.

CODE #1:

int LED1 = 13; int LED2 = 12; int LED3 = 11;

void setup() { pinMode(LED1, OUTPUT); pinMode(LED2, OUTPUT); pinMode(LED3, OUTPUT); }

void loop() { digitalWrite(LED1, HIGH); delay(800); digitalWrite(LED2, HIGH); delay(800); digitalWrite(LED3, HIGH); delay(800); digitalWrite(LED1, LOW); delay(800); digitalWrite(LED2, LOW); delay(800); digitalWrite(LED3, LOW); delay(800); }

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I figured out how to turn the LEDs off all at once.

CODE #2:

int LED1 = 13; int LED2 = 12; int LED3 = 11;

void setup() { pinMode(LED1, OUTPUT); pinMode(LED2, OUTPUT); pinMode(LED3, OUTPUT); }

void loop() { digitalWrite(LED1, HIGH); delay(800); digitalWrite(LED2, HIGH); delay(800); digitalWrite(LED3, HIGH); delay(800); digitalWrite(LED1, LOW); digitalWrite(LED2, LOW); digitalWrite(LED3, LOW); delay(800); }

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As I observed, when the LEDs light up, they are all in the brightest mode. I was trying to figure out how I could pre-set the brightness of LEDs in my code, but was not yet successful finding such information. Maybe it is not even possible?

prototyping / 27.11.2019

Today we spent some time prototyping out future products. As for my project, I did two variations of cleaning / refocusing devices that I am planning to make as a final product. My next step is to see how I can incorporate technology, so it fits into the device and does my intended functions, like light, sound and maybe something else.

the product below is to be used in vertical position. I thought maybe this could be even use on eyes area, instead of forehead and temple areas, as I intended before.

This another way of holding a product. You have to hold it upright and then the light comes from a screen.

continued product ideas / 22.11.2019

After class on Tuesday, I continued thinking about possible product ideas. I made a mind map that would help me explore all the possible alternatives. Topics that were explored were side effects, hiding the sticker, child to a parent (to get attention), hacking the sticker.

Then I proceeded with sketching out some ideas according to some of these topics. What I realized though is that some of them did not involve that much friction, as the other ones. For example, a headache reliever that would be used to treat headache after using the sticker would not reveal much of my world’s friction, as a device that would be use to hack the sticker. This realization was important in order to convey the product, thus the friction world, effectively.

During Friday’s class, we had a feedback session with Pepjin. An interesting idea that he suggested to me is to look how the product used by kids to get parents attention would evolve, as the child grows up. So, let’s say what kind of product would a toddler use and what kind of product would a gradeschool kids use?

initial product ideas / 19.11.2019

product #1 - one family unit

devices that are used among family members to feel the sense of belonging in the house. they can digitally communicate with each other, thus, no more need to see each other physically, even if all are under one roof.

product #2 - device erasing sticker

sticker that is used by parents to erase child’s memory of any device for a short period of time. they can customize the sticker, such as time of memory loss, side effects, period of loosing memory and etc.

product #3 - pillow for a child

a child can chose a voice of their parent that then will tell the bedtime story. however, it is not a real voice of a parent. this product involves AI that is familiar with the parent’s voice and thus can mimic it, when talking / answering questions to a child.

Today we listened to some more presentations of our classmates and had individual feedback sessions with Allard regarding our initial product ideas. I was worried that my scenario became too narrow and I felt that I had to take another direction. Thus, I felt that my products are not really relevant to the world that I have created.

However, after having a discussion with Allard, he reassured that the direction I am moving is working. He suggested that even though my world evolves around the sticker, there can be many other products that could exist parallelly. He suggested to also think about the new arising interactions among the people in the world, see at the possible consequences of the use of the sticker on the kids and the general ethics that changing / shifting. As well as, look into how other families with kids deal with this issue or live in this world.

This feedback reassured that I am moving in a good direction, I just have to think of other products that could exist along, especially, given the possible areas to explore.

scenario presentation / 13.11.2019

today we presented our future world to Pepjin and Dennis, as well as to the rest of our group. Here are some illustrations that I prepared for my presentation. I gave a small introduction about how kid environments are changing, as they are becoming digitalised and then proceeded with a scenario.

I was a bit disappointed by my presentation, as I realised I ended up in a very specific scenario with a product in mind. As a suggestion, Pepjin told me to zoom out a little bit and explore other possibilities, which I think it possible, but it is hard to zoom out and see at other options, when I want to focus on parent and child relationships. However, I will try my best to change my direction a little bit so there are more options for me to explore and make products accordingly.

a way out / 12.11.2019

“The blood results came in today. Levels of Hemoglobin, Sodium, Calcium and Sugar are all within the range, so there is nothing to be worried about. However…”

Madeleine picked up her eyes from the phone screen, “Sorry, could you repeat that again.”

Doctor continued, “What I just said was that blood results came in and they are all within the range, which is good news. I just shared them with you. Should be on your phone now. However, there is something else I am worried about your daughter’s health.”

“What is that, doctor?”

“Could we have a moment alone?”

“Sure. Susan, I will be right back,” Susan was too involved in her new iPad game to say anything in return to her mother. Doctor and Madeleine left the cabinet.

“You see, Miss Madeleine, I understand being a parent is hard, trying to balance between home and work and personal life,” before doctor could continue anything else, Madeleine interrupted, “Umm, are you here to teach how to be a parent? If so, I think it is time for my daughter and I to leave.”

“No, no, you misunderstood me, Miss Madeleine. I am sorry. What I was trying to say was that we have a new technology that helps families to reconnect with each other. There are many benefits both for the child and parents. If you would be interested, you could buy it from the pharmacy on the first floor or order it online. Of course, it is all up to you, but I think it would be very useful for your family.”

“Thank you, doctor. But I think I am capable of making my own decisions of what is best for my family. Susan,” she shouted from the outside, “It’s time for us to leave.”

Susan and Madeleine got into the car. Almost the whole ride home was silent. Madeleine was in her own thoughts, thoughts about what the doctor has just said to her. In a way she was right. She has noticed disconnection that is happening between her and daughter. Bedtime stories were replaced by Alexa’s voice. Susan found the voice more soothing and calming than of her parents, so she would quickly fall asleep. Dinner’s laughs and talks were replaced by the silence of fingers touching the screens. And family weekend getaways … Well, everyone was too busy to continue such tradition. Yet, at the same time, Madeleine thought that she was capable of improving the situation on her own.

“Susan, we are home. Get out, sweetheart.”

In silence, Susan opened the car’s back doors and got out. She was still too involved in the game to get back to the reality. They both got into the house. Susan sat in the hallway, with her coat, hat and boots still on.

“Hey, Susan. Take off your clothes,” said Madeleine.

There was no response. Madeleine repeated the phrase.

After a while, Susan did take off her clothes and boots. She then ran to her room, slapped the door and turned on the big screen, which had played of Susan’s favorite cartoon show.

Madeleine realized that doctor was probably right. She took out her phone and made a search about the technology the doctor was talking about. She soon received a messaged, which said the following.

“Thank you for choosing Child Voice. By clicking “Agree & Pay”, you agree to the Child Voice Agreement.”

Without any hesitations, Madeleine clicked on “Agree & Pay” button. The next thing she knew, that the device will be delivered in 3 days.

on the way to school / 11.11.2019

I can sense vibration on my wrist. “Time to wake up,” I think to myself. “Crap,” I look at my watch, “It is already 7:39. How did I snooze through my first alarm?” I quickly get up and rush to the bathroom. I wash my teeth and face, brush my hair and put on my school’s uniform. My favorite part of the uniform is the pin with my name displayed on it, as well as, the average GPA. I am in top 5 of my class.

“Good morning, son,” appears Tom’s face, Josh’s father, on the mirror. “It is quiet cold today, put on a coat, darling.” Josh quickly swipes away the image. “What a distraction,” he thinks to himself.

“What’s the time now?”, Josh asks Anny.

“It is 7:47, Josh. School starts in 28 minutes,” responds Anny – talking mirror. Josh’s family has installed it a few months ago. It helps the boy to leave the house right on time, so he would not be late to school.

Josh grabs his lunchbox from the kitchen. He doesn’t even care to say “Thank you!” to whoever made it for him. He rushes out of the door. While in the elevator, he checks his phone for any updates about classroom location change. Everything as usual. He responds to some of his friends’ messages, when a message from his dad pops up. “Turn right, when going out of the elevator.”

“As if I didn’t know where the car will be waiting,” Josh thinks to himself and the elevator door opens. He sits into the car.

“Good morning again, Josh,” says Tom. “Seems like you woke up a little bit late today but I think you will be right on time to school. Google Maps says that traffic today is quite light.”

Tom continues, “Your father and I were thinking of going to Canada over the Christmas break. We could visit Toronto, Ontario, Vancouver, maybe some other cities. Oh, remember Sally? Her and the kids recently moved to Canada, so we could …” before Tom finishes the sentence, Josh turns off his dad’s voice from control panel. He takes out his phone.

“Siri, block Dad Tom contact on all devices until the end of the school.”

“Okay, Josh,” responds Siri. “Dad Tom contact is blocked on iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch until 16:30.”

Josh then puts on his favorite song. By the time he reaches the school, Mate, his other dad, messages him.

“Josh, unblock Tom’s contact IMMEDIATELY or you will be grounded.”

Josh deletes the message and proceeds to school. He is not late.

feedback Friday / 08.11.2019

Today we shared with each other and Allard our stories. Received feedback and gave it to each other as well. Some comments that were made regarding my scenes.

scene 1:

The story seems a bit broad, as there can be many interpretations of it. Faren’s comments were to focus more on the uneasiness of the people and why they feel that way? If I (Faren) didn’t know your topic it might be a little difficult to understand what it might be about?

General comment was to give more background information to understand why the scene is important for the main characters.

scene 2:

Classmates did not comment on this story, however, Allard felt that the story had the most friction out of all 3 scenes. I agreed. My personal worry (while discussing with Allard) was that in the scene I created a product (which I did not really intend to) and that it would be hard for me to imagine the scene otherwise without the product. Allard suggested to not focus on it, but build world around the scene in details. While talking about my topic, I realized that home (most of the times) is a place for comfort and safety, thus, it could be a center focus.

scene 3:

The ending sentence is interesting, but a bit too obvious, as the couple is split between Mars and Planet. Suggestion would be to describe Mars, without naming it, so there would be more suspense in the story. Most of the people liked this scene because it was set in a further future. Allard’s comment was that this scene is not really related to my topic, which I agree with. Although, it could be reshaped so there is involvement of kids.

While much of today's discussion about kids and technology revolves around The Youths being too into their smartphones and tablets, it turns out parents who use technology during family time may be adversely affecting their kids' behavior and…

new term - technoference - technology interrupts relationships, more precise - everyday interruptions in face-to-face interactions

again, parent’s input into their relationship with a child is very important, however, the opposite can happen with the use of technology. “Electronic device use likely deprives parents of the opportunity to provide meaningful emotional support and positive feedback to their children which causes their offspring to revert to even more problematic behavior such as throwing tantrums or sulking."

It was also recorded that interactions between a parent and a child are interrupted by one or more device at some point of the day. in addition to that, parents use technology as a refugee (previously, as a babysitter), when struggling with child’s behavior. however, this tactic has its downsides.

an interesting phenomenon that was observed. “Parents who have children with more externalizing problems (such as tantrums or lashing out sessions) become more stressed, which may lead to their greater withdrawal with technology, which in turn may contribute to more child externalizing problems.”

Children now spend more time at home and alone with their parents – new research.

a bit shocking to read this - ‘alone together‘, but if you think about it, it is true. that does not even have to relate to parent and children relationships, it can be among lovers, friends, strangers. We are all together but are so zoned out from each other due to us being stuck to our screens.

this research found out that children were spending more time at home in 2015, than back in 2000. however, that did not reflect spending time together as a family, as kids and parents were having ‘alone together‘ time, which does not reflect quality time.

however, as other research papers and articles I have read, this article emphasizes that mere presence of a phone negatively affects face-to-face interactions.

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