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GMU:Printed Circuit Board Art/mxkllmnn (view source)
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When dismissing the first idea because it was not feasible for me in the time given, it seemed to be a good solution to work on something that already exists (or is in the making at least), namely the prototype, which I will be using as a platform for my thesis. | When dismissing the first idea because it was not feasible for me in the time given, it seemed to be a good solution to work on something that already exists (or is in the making at least), namely the prototype, which I will be using as a platform for my thesis. | ||
Very briefly, I wrack my head around systems whose user interfaces had to be modified as the result of process automation. In most cases, if the cybernetic loop of control and display is being altered, a transformation of the underlying system’s user interface is implicit. In home automation, for example, this has led to the disappearance of well-established interfaces (read: Switches) and now all too often leaves us frustrated [https://www.busch-jaeger.de/fileadmin/_processed_/c/7/csm_Systeme_free%40home_Image_1920x800_108960d603.jpeg]. So I am exploring alternatives to popular but dystopian smart home futures, or: How to teach old switches new tricks. | Very briefly, I wrack my head around systems whose user interfaces had to be modified as the result of process automation. In most cases, if the cybernetic loop of control and display is being altered, a transformation of the underlying system’s user interface is implicit. In home automation, for example, this has led to the disappearance of well-established interfaces (read: Switches) and now all too often leaves us frustrated [https://www.busch-jaeger.de/fileadmin/_processed_/c/7/csm_Systeme_free%40home_Image_1920x800_108960d603.jpeg]. So I am exploring alternatives to popular but dystopian smart home futures, or simply put: How to teach old switches new tricks. | ||
One idea for this course was to introduce capacitive touch areas – a formation of discrete sensor pads, sliders, or a matrix – to the surface and the frame of a conventional switch, where the PCB itself serves as the cover with all components on one side and touchpads on its rear. By that, one would extend the switch’s binary characteristic and broaden the repertoire of input gestures. However, I soon realised that such a modification would undermine exactly what I am trying to preserve – the switching mechanism’s inherent psychophysical feedback that makes this kind of interface so appealing. Such feedback is in vain with touch displays that replace great user interfaces, which are actually much more in line with our human sensory nature. With regard to automation, going for graphical user interfaces (GUIs) is an obvious choice, as these are much easier to integrate due to their ability to react to system changes simply by programming, whereas physical switches do not respond automatically. So the idea to have a remotely switchable switch was born, hence the working title SwitchSwitch. Furthermore, by temporarily decoupling the switch from the circuit of the object to be turned on or off and putting a microcontroller in between, the (automated) system becomes capable of utilizing the acoustic, visual and haptic signals evoked via the usage of its interface to articulate intent (at least this is the hypothesis to be confirmed). The SwitchSwitch prototype functions as a platform to design output gestures made of sequences of clicks in combination with flickering lights as means of communication. To do so a conventional switch has been equipped with some more advanced technology. Now this project is about turning this technology into an appropriate form. | One idea for this course was to introduce capacitive touch areas – a formation of discrete sensor pads, sliders, or a matrix – to the surface and the frame of a conventional switch, where the PCB itself serves as the cover with all components on one side and touchpads on its rear. By that, one would extend the switch’s binary characteristic and broaden the repertoire of input gestures. However, I soon realised that such a modification would undermine exactly what I am trying to preserve – the switching mechanism’s inherent psychophysical feedback that makes this kind of interface so appealing. Such feedback is in vain with touch displays that replace great user interfaces, which are actually much more in line with our human sensory nature. With regard to automation, going for graphical user interfaces (GUIs) is an obvious choice, as these are much easier to integrate due to their ability to react to system changes simply by programming, whereas physical switches do not respond automatically. So the idea to have a remotely switchable switch was born, hence the working title SwitchSwitch. Furthermore, by temporarily decoupling the switch from the circuit of the object to be turned on or off and putting a microcontroller in between, the (automated) system becomes capable of utilizing the acoustic, visual and haptic signals evoked via the usage of its interface to articulate intent (at least this is the hypothesis to be confirmed). The SwitchSwitch prototype functions as a platform to design output gestures made of sequences of clicks in combination with flickering lights as means of communication. To do so a conventional switch has been equipped with some more advanced technology. Now this project is about turning this technology into an appropriate form. | ||