Homeworkd day 2-Arya Qiu

Documentation:

• Why did you choose that specific sensor and output? How do you think you could use this sensor to create an interactive experience?

I choose ultrasonic sensor to detect human motion. Output will be light bulb being lightened up when the sensor sensing the object (hand/finger/human) is getting near to it. This measurement of distance can be applicable in interactive devices such as the interactive mirror installation shown by the professor on day 1. When a person is getting near, the flurry material which the mirror the made of will extend and expand like a flower, which creates a unique experience at the gallery, even though I wish they could be placed as a real mirror at home when such interactive “furniture” becomes more common.

• With the information you have so far and your personal experience, in what ways do you believe the computer influences our human behaviors? Give an example.

The sensors have reminded me with one of the work I read about relating to “Design for Covid-19”. It is an idea that aims to promote social distancing during Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. How we can detect danger when someone gets too close to us? Sensors! That is what I thought, if we connect a buzzer or alarm to a sensor, we will be able to be warned if any potential danger is getting too close. However, this also raises concerns about hospitality. Will people be offended by the sound if they are not subtle enough? How can the user experiences be less compromised with the aim of alerting social distancing? These will be questions to ask when it comes to how technology influences behaviors.