First Prototype
In this section, we will talk in-depth about the first prototype and what steps we had to take to achieve this watch to work based on our vision. Since it was an Arduino the first step was to create the circuit and the code for the watch. Secondly, parts had to be ordered to fit the size of a watch.
To achieve the desired usability the following parts had to be included in the circuit (later moved away from the breadboard):
-
On/Off Switch - To turn on or off to watch, so it wouldn't have to be constantly on and waste the battery
-
Two buttons - One is used to regulate how quickly the tiredness level drops down, and therefore the watch reminds Anne to take breaks, and the other one is used to reset it back to the previous position. The reason for not using a dial in the first case here was the prototyping difficulties that that change would entail (as a button is a simpler component than a dial).
-
Arduino/Screen - Fortunately, the Group managed to obtain an Arduino, which is connected to a screen, reducing the number of components (therefore, also the size). This component was used to run the code and display the dog's picture.
-
Vibration motor - This part was used to serve as a sensory reminder for taking breaks. The Group concluded that it was the best way to solve it, as alternatives - light and sound, could be both too obtrusive, if made too "strong", and otherwise too weak.
-
Battery - Could power the circuit.
-
Code - That could make the Arduino display the desired information on the screen: A picture of a dog slowly getting tired, and an indication of a "level" on which the watch is set.
Overall, the biggest challange of this stage, was to space components efficently (and use smallest comoponents possible), to make the watch as close to a regular-sized watch as possible.
What was needed?
First Prototype
As can be seen on the picture, the first prototype was successfully comppleted. It had all of the functions of the desired final product, within a simplified version on a breadboard. Having this, was not only a step closer to making it further into prototyping, but also allowed to Group to have another meeting with Anne, to get to know her opinion about it.
Fourth meeting with Anne
Having the prototype, two of the groupmates went to meet Anne to show her to progress. During the meeting, she approved the concept, but suggested adding one more function - a bar that explicitly shows the energy level, next to the dog picture doing so (which is shown in the next section). Besides that, the settings, for how quickly the dog should get tired (hence, indicate when to take a break), were discussed. It was agrred that the lowest setting should give her a reminder every 30 minutes (for bad days) and that the highest settings, should do so every 2 hours (for good days). Also, wrist's measurements were taken, to ensure that the watch can fit well on the caseholder's wrist. Anne was also informed, about the contrains the protype will have to be adjusted to, that come with using an Arduino (mainly - bigger size, but also problems that could come with using a lithium battery - which could be overheating). Therefore, realstic expectations were also established.
