Game Ideation for the Installation

 Ideation Phase 2

The idea for installation would be a penalty shootout game with a physical motion detector that would decide the movement of the ball virtually. The idea behind the game is to kick the motion detector and it would simulate the movement of the ball. The user would also be wearing a sole like apparatus with 4 vibration motors connected to it. 

Proposed Simulation of the Game

This would vibrate in response to how the user would shoot the ball. If the user kicks with harder intensity, the motors would vibrate intensely reminding the user to control the intensity of the kick. It would also vibrate the motors responsible to denote the trajectory of the ball, since the motors would be connected in 4 different places to denote direction of the moving ball.

The motion detecting kicking apparatus

I have also decided to not use the FSR (Force Sensitive Resistor) for this project. I would consider the previous test as failed test case and not feasible for the new idea. Instead I have placed an order for a Triple Axis Accelerometer and use that to detect motion sensing instead.

A few parts have arrived - Started to test the arduino

 Ideation Phase 1

This test involves the link of Arduino IDE with the Arduino mega. The other component used is an FSR (Force Sensitive Resistor). The above test shows the direct relation of pressure applied to the intensity of the LED. As we apply more pressure on the FSR, the intensity of the LED increases.

This test was a success and the FSR can be used in the footwear to detect pressure applied. Addition of an FSR could give the feature of applying pressure to move objects in a simulation. Although the mechanics of the game is not decided yet, I still think this is a successful test. Still waiting on the other parts to arrive.

The parts haven't arrived yet - Still working on finalizing the research question

A week has passed and still waiting on the purchase order to arrive. In the meantime, I have been looking through some readings like research papers and journal entries in the Griffith Online Library. I also have looked up for possible tutorials on how to operate the arduino online and anything else that would help me with the project. 

Ideation Stage - Figuring out my research question

 Since the order has been delayed due to covid restrictions, I was unsure of when the parts would arrive from New South Wales. I decided to work on the theory side of the project. I have been playing with my research question which is " HOW MIGHT WE DESIGN AND INTEGRATE HAPTIC TECHNOLOGY IN TRADITIONAL SHOES FOR ACTIVITY TRACKING AND TRAINING? " but something about the research question doesn't feel right. The classes have begun as well and I am looking forward to attending the classes in person as well. Not much activity this week for now besides pondering on what the research question should be. 

Purchase order of the parts

Since the project would be a physical installation, I decided to order in Bulk. The order consisted of all the items listed below

Vibrating Mini Motor Disc	ADA1201	4	$14.80
Arduino Mega 2560 R3	A000067	1	$64.50
Panel Mount 10K potentiometer (Breadboard Friendly) - 10K Linear	ADA562	4	$9.00
Premium Female/Female Jumper Wires - 20 x 6 (150mm)	ADA1950	1	$4.35
Jumper Wires - Connected 6" (M/F, 20 pack)	PRT-12794	1	$2.55
Jumper Wires - Connected 6" (M/M, 20 pack)	PRT-12795	1	$2.55
Uno R3	CE05629	1	$18.70
MPU-6050 Module 3 Axis Gyroscope + Acce​​lerometer	018-MPU-6050	1	$12.05
Solderless Breadboard - 830 Tie Point (ZY-102)	CE00304	2	$13.16
9V battery holder with switch & 5.5mm/2.1mm plug	ADA67	1	$8.80
Resistor Kit - 1/4W (500 total)	COM-10969	1	$14.95
Hakko RED Soldering Iron 60W	CE04585	1	$25.50
Helping Third Hand Magnifier W/Magnifying Glass Tool - MZ101	ADA291	1	$20.55
Solder Reel/Iron Holder Stand	AT1306	1	$28.75
Essential Sensor Kit	SEN-12862	1	$67.65
Subtotal			$307.86

As most of the parts ordered was extra, it was better to be prepared for anything than having nothing at all. I also dropped the idea of 3-D printing soles and decided to buy it. Then I would attach the vibration motors to the flip flop.

3D Printing for the Prototyping Phase

 For the Prototyping phase, I have decided to learn 3D printing basics that would help me to 3D print a part I desire. For this I have chosen the education license of Fusion 360 to work on as it more proficient compared to other softwares out there. Also I have decided to make my project more game based and decided to make a foot controller that would emulate the movements of character on the video game with haptic feedback.

Which bring me to the latest updated research question "How might we design and integrate haptic technology to experience character movement in video games?"

The Second Assessment

Following the presentation, we were tasked to come up with a paper that would explain our ideas more prominently and would also be recorded in text. Also it enabled us more time to research and stabilize our idea more realistically and in practical sense. The paper also explains the possibility of achieving this idea if not completed by me then maybe by future fellow researchers.

By looking at the chart above, I am still in the ideation stage at the moment. But soon I would love to jump to prototyping stage.