Module 2 Activity Research

Weekly Activity

Wenqi Huang

Project 2

Module 2

In this workshop our team explored guerrilla prototyping by designing and improving a simple phone stand. We first watched the tutorial videos and copied one of the designs using Illustrator and cardboard. After testing it with our own phones, we realized that modern phones are longer and heavier, so the original stand from the video did not hold the phone upright very well. Because of this, we redesigned the stand, changing the dimensions and simplifying the structure to make it more practical and stable. We chose cardboard because it is easy to cut and assemble, but for a final product we would probably use wood. Drawing the template and using laser-cutting made the fabrication more precise and faster. In our redesign we focused on functionality rather than aesthetics and relied on structural connections instead of adhesives. Working in a small group was helpful because everyone could share ideas, suggest improvements, and iterate quickly on the prototype.

Project 2

Project 2 Prototype

In Project Two, we are designing an interactive installation to help students become aware of and reflect on their stress. This project also prepares them for Project Three, in which we will create a physical "stress stone" that can sense real-life stress. Many students experience stress, but this stress is difficult to perceive or measure. My goal is to transform this intangible feeling into clearly visible and easily understood data. In this prototype, users can hold or "squeeze" a virtual stone. The stress level is recorded as data and visualized on a screen using color, size, and simple animation. The interaction is quick and easy, allowing users to self-assess multiple times a day. In this project, we explore how to combine physical interaction with digital visualization by integrating sensor data with visual feedback. The design of this prototype will lay the foundation for the creation of the physical stress stone in Project Three.