Overview

The objective of this project, which I worked on with Natalie Orlando, was to measure happiness using a distinctive voting system. Users could express their emotions by placing colored balls into a container designed like a face. The container featured a projected face that would change depending on the color of the ball.

Objective

Our goal was to develop a user-friendly and intuitive platform that allows individuals to express their feelings through a novel physical-digital interface, enhancing the overall user experience of emotional expression.

Research & Insights

We conducted extensive primary research on emotion perception and expression, including user interviews and usability testing. Key insights included:

Color associations with specific emotions
Effective facial expressions for conveying feelings
User preferences for interactive emotional expression methods

Design Process

Conceptualization
Brainstorming ideas for combining physical and digital elements

Prototyping
Creating initial prototypes of the face-shaped container and digital interface

User Testing
Conducting iterative user tests to refine the design

Technical Implementation

Arduino

Integrated and controlled the color sensor in the voting box

Touch Designer
Created dynamic facial expressions based on sensor inputs

Projection system
Displayed changing facial expressions on the container

Physical construction
Custom-built face-shaped container for holding colored balls

Challenges

Calibrating the color sensor for accurate detection: Solved through extensive testing and fine-tuning.

Syncing the physical input with digital output in real-time: Addressed by optimizing the Arduino and Touch Designer integration.
Designing intuitive color-emotion associations: Resolved through user testing and iterative design