Module 1 Activity Research

Weekly Activity Template

yiyi yan

Project 1

Module 1

Through three hands-on activities using Arduino, ProtoPie, and Touch Designer, I explored how sensors collect and translate physical data into visual or interactive responses. I learned to build basic circuits, connect hardware with digital interfaces, and visualize real-time input, which deepened my understanding of how physical computing supports emotional and interactive design.

Activity 1

I learned how to connect the Arduino board with the computer using Arduino IDE and upload the basic code successfully.

By wiring LEDs and resistors on the breadboard, I learned how to make the lights blink through coding.

By pressing the button, I learned how input sensors can trigger light responses on the Arduino.

I practiced setting up the circuit from scratch and confirmed how power and ground connections affect the output.

I experimented with multiple LEDs to explore physical interaction and data output through simple circuits.

Activity 2

I set up the Arduino Sensor Kit and ProtoPie Connect, defining message keys for temp, humidity, and degree to stream live data to my phone UI.

Visual Temperature Display on Mobile Devices

By matching the baud rate at 115200 and formatting serial strings, ProtoPie parsed the sensor data reliably.

Test whether Protopie experiences temperature changes

Touching or warming the sensor produced immediate changes on the phone UI, verifying end-to-end interaction.

Activity 3

The Arduino Sensor Kit was linked with TouchDesigner to visualize real-time sensor input.

A node-based system was built in TouchDesigner to control lighting and scale effects.

The interface displayed how sensor feedback could be mapped into motion and color changes on screen.

Different operators were tested in TouchDesigner to explore possibilities of data manipulation and aesthetic transformation, showing how visuals evolve based on real-time input.

The experiment successfully mapped sensor data into a color-changing sphere, completing the loop from hardware sensing to interactive digital visualization.

Research Activity

WGSN Consumer Trend Research

This research analyzed how future technologies like AI, wearables, and emotion-driven design will shape personal experiences. It inspired me to explore interactive systems that merge physical sensing with emotional feedback.

Exploring how AI, wearables, and sensor technology merge to support health, wellbeing, and emotional balance in future lifestyles.

Researching how AI and UX design interpret user emotions to create more empathetic and sensory digital interactions.

Comparing two WGSN tech trends — IoT-driven personal devices and emotion-based interaction design — to understand how data and feelings can connect.

WGSN Personas Research

By studying personas such as the Privacy Protector and Vibrant Explorer, I identified two contrasting user needs — safety and emotional engagement. This helped me define user-centered goals for creating empathetic and responsive designs.

Two personas identified from WGSN: Privacy Protector and Vibrant Explorer. They represent users who value either calm, safe design or energetic, emotional experiences.

Comparing how different generations shape design expectations — Gen X and Millennials focus on privacy and control, while Gen Z seeks emotion, creativity, and connection.

Highlighting how user behaviour data influences design: from privacy-focused smart devices to immersive, emotionally responsive technologies.

HMI Research

Through exploring Human–Machine Interaction (HMI), I focused on how sensors and interfaces can collect and interpret real-time user data. This research guided my direction toward creating systems that visually and emotionally respond to human input.

Identifying real challenges in both IoT and emotional design fields — balancing privacy, real-time feedback, and emotional connection in technology.

Developing “How Might We” questions that connect user emotions, sensors, and responsive systems to inspire interactive design ideas.

Reviewing each HMW statement to ensure it is user-centered, positive, and broad enough to support creative solutions.

Project Path

After completing all research and activities, I chose the Design Path, as it allows me to develop functional prototypes using Arduino and sensors. This path connects directly to my final concept — Emotion-Sync Lamp, a design that merges technology with emotional wellbeing.

Exploring two potential project paths: IoT-based smart sensing and emotion-driven interactive light design.

Comparing the Art and Design paths — deciding to focus on the Design Path to create user-centered, sensor-responsive experiences.

Reflecting on teamwork approaches — combining coding, hardware, and interaction design collaboratively to enhance outcomes.

Project 1 Concept

Project 1 Concept

The Emotion-Sync Lamp is a responsive lighting system that uses sound and motion sensors to detect a user’s emotional state. It adjusts brightness and color in real time to promote calmness or focus, demonstrating how physical computing can connect emotional wellbeing with intelligent interaction design.

Emotion-Sync Lamp

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