Class Discussion Topics
- What is physical interaction?
- What does the user do?
- Code as narrative instructions
- Pseudocode
In-Class Activity
Fantasy Device – As a class, we’ll make a list of fantasy devices; things that don’t exist, but that we wish did. For today, we’ll ignore technical feasibility and concentrate on how you’d operate these devices if they did exist. You’ll be divided into groups of 3. Pick a fantasy device from the list. Design a control interface for this device and demonstrate it in class.
Think about what a person has to see, hear, touch, etc. while operating the device. Think about what cues they need to understand the interface. Think about what parts of their body they need to have free, what gestures are best for triggering the device’s behaviors, and so forth. Build a mockup of the controls from anything you can find on the floor or nearby. At the end of class, one or two of you will act out the use of the device using your mockup while the third person narrates.
Assignments for next class
- Get the basic parts and tools that you’ll need for class. Order early, as you’ll need things for week 2.
- Familiarize yourself with the components you bought.
- Set up your Phys Comp blog and e-mail the URL to your instructor.
- Sign up for the PComp Mailing List here
- Review the material to be covered next week, and come to next class with questions:
- A short video in a light-hearted vein on some electrical characteristics.
- Electricity: The Basics
- Understanding DC Power Supplies
- Related Videos. These cover the same material as the notes above:
Readings For Next Class
The following readings set the tone conceptually for what’s coming next:
- Crawford, The Art of Interactive Design, chapters 1 and 2. You’ll need to use your NYU credentials to access this reading, heres is the NYU E-Book link, here is the NYU Libraries Permalink.
- Bret Victor, “A Brief Rant on the Future of Interaction Design”