Module 3 Activity Research

Weekly Activity Template

Gloria Alejandra Flores

Project 3

Module 3

Breathing Pond Installation

Workshop 1

bodystorming workshop prompt, we decided to go for an intuitive oven that alerts the user when the pan is hot and has a touchscreen and cooking modes

After feedback, we decided to come up with a new concept, this time our concept would solve an issue most of us face

Workshop 2

We projected the map and then traced the shape on the cardboard for reference

Cutting the pieces out

Once we tried projecting the lake into the brown cardboard, the lake appeared green. To improve that, we covered the cardboard with white paper

Project the lake and adjusting the shape of the lake in the kantenmapper so the size is just right

Positioning where we might need the lilypad

Activity 1: My Research

Here, I researched existing medical technologies that use projection and sensory environments to support relaxation and emotional regulation. I analyzed three key systems: the Philips Ambient Experience, Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Environments, and Wild Divine biofeedback meditation.

When researching a UK-based company called Creativity Activity that creates products for childcare, special needs & education industries, including sensory rooms for medical settings, I found the following information that relates to the use case for our project concept.

This guided breathing activity uses the 4-4-6 breathing method. Stepping triggers a 4-second inhale, a 4-second hold, and a 6-second exhale, and this is prompted by the projection.

This concept uses Box Breathing by guiding users through a 4-4-4-4 cycle in which four projected lily pads light up sequentially. Prompting an inhale, hold, exhale, and final hold.

This concept is inspired by Daoist walking meditation. The lily pads will serve as prompts for the user to step on them, and it will show if they are meant to inhale, hold, or exhale.

Activity 2: Touch Designer

I identified the Timer CHOP as the best operator for making the lily pad shrink over time and referenced a tutorial to understand its basic function. I mainly used the initialize, start, and length parameters.

I asked AI how to connect the Timer CHOP to the Transform TOP. It suggested using code in the scale parameters, but the code caused errors and didn’t work as expected.

Since the AI approach wasn’t working, I tried a method from a previous tutorial by dragging a CHOP channel directly into a TOP parameter using the viewer active button. This removed errors, but the lily pad still didn’t shrink.

I returned to AI for clarification, and this time it provided the correct expression, which successfully made the lily pad shrink over time.

To finish the interaction, I adjusted the code so the lily pad would fully disappear instead of stopping partway through the animation.

Additional Research or Workshops

Here, I researched movement-based therapies, focusing specifically on slow ones to learn about their varieties and see their potential for implementation in our final activity using arduino and the kinect.

This is a quiet type of yoga. You move very slowly into simple poses and hold them for a few minutes. You breathe deeply and stay relaxed. It's great for calming the mind and body.

This is like slow, flowing dance moves done standing up. Practitioners shift their weight gently from one foot to the other, with smooth arm circles and turns. It feels like moving with the wind. Practitioners breathe calmly the whole time.

This uses soft, repeating movements with deep, slow breathing. You might sway your arms, turn your body gently, or stand still while focusing on your breath. Many people say it helps them feel more energetic and peaceful.

Many poses are done lying down. You hold gentle stretches for a few minutes while breathing deeply and relaxing fully.

Project 2

Project 3 Final Prototype

Breathing Pond Installation Prototype

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