Whimsical Bench

INTERACTION DESIGN

EL538

ALEX | VIKNESH | KAV | LAWRENCE

• Elderly people are not confident in using new technology, unless being taught how to properly.. Step by step

• Elderly people are comfortable using basic technology/functions

• As a whole, elderly people struggled to use technology without guidance

EMPATHIC CONVERSATION THEMES

OBSERVATION THEMES

NO PUBLIC WATER FOUNTAIN

SAFETY & SECURITY

DISCOMFORT WITHCOLD BENCH

NO PUBLIC WIFINO PUBLIC

SOCIAL INTERACTION

PROBLEM STATEMENT

MAIN PROBLEM?

The problem was mentioned in the previous slides such as no water, discomfort with the bench etcwhich effects a universal audience from elderly people to a younger audience.

LOCATION OF PROBLEM?

Canterbury high street (from observation findings) which can be seen on the right from our photograph.

WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS?

Problems can occur any time, for example the lack of water is a all year round issue, whereas the discomfort regarding the bench will most likely occur during the winter.

IMPLEMENTATION CONSTRAINTS?

• Cost • Space it will take up

PROBLEM STATEMENT

SOLUTION – WHIMSICAL BENCH

https://youtu.be/ih41k--w-BQ

IMPLEMENTED SOLUTION

FUNCTIONS – SOLAR PANEL

SOLAR PANEL

• Solar panels will be custom fitted to generate 1.4kw of powerfor a day with 5 hours of sunlight.

• The power consumption of the bench when everything turned to full power running all day would be 0.81kw.

• System will generate 500w of power which can provide lighting for local businesses at reduced rate.

• The money made from this can pay for the bench over time and the cost of upkeep for 10 years.

• The bench will be heated by a 1000watt radiant heater using solar energy.

• Variable intensity controls( low, medium and high) that are pressure sensitive. The High intensity is only available when the temperature of the environment is below 1 Degrees Celsius.

• Peak hours = default power intensity will be low so bench is slightly warm.

• When someone sits on the bench, the intensity will increase tomedium intensity.

• During off peak times, the bench will heat up when you are sat on it.

FUNCTIONS – HEATING

HEATING

FUNCTIONS – WATER FOUNTAIN

• The solar panel at the top has been designed with a slight angle towards the centre, so that a water drop that fall on this surface will eventually reach the centre and enter into the system.

• Entered water will then pass through a filter and end up in a storage tank with a capacity of 60 litres.

• Right below the storage tank is the dispenser which offers this water in cold or hot condition using the energy provided by the solar panels.

FUNCTIONS - SHELTER

• Including the solar panel in our bench, the panel itself will act as a resourceful shelter towards users who would like to use the bench.

• The solar panel will not only keep users dry during the rain, but also all electronics within the bench will be kept dry – thus preventing any electrical hazards.

FUNCTIONS – LED SCREEN/GAME

GAME

• Powered by Nvidia k1 processer

• It will have a touch screen control panel led display menu

• Tutorial videos

LED SCREEN

• Incorporated a sound activator game where there will be a default song, and will keep playing the same song until more people interact

• Spotify streaming service

• Wi-Fi (4g)

• CCTV camera to monitor users and to prevent crime

• Led lights to light up the bench

• Pressure sensitive sensors

• Speakers to play sound from local radio stations/keep people informed about the weather, traffic etc

• Spotify streaming service

• SOS service

• Phone charging

OTHER FEATURES

DESIGN SOLUTION AS A WHOLE

AESTHETICS

FUNCTIONALITY

• Sit• Interact• Hydrate• Play games• Listen to songs

• Comfort/warmth• Educate• Charge phone• Shelter

INTERACTION

• User centred game involving more than one person

• Charging phones as a group, thus enhancing interaction

• General comfort for all users

ETHICAL ISSUES

There are no ethical issues.

ENVIRONMENT

• Clear gap in the Canterbury city centre opposite Café Rouge which currently has old worn out benches outside – our unique and innovative bench will fit within that sector

TECHNOLOGY

• Everything within the bench is powered by solar energy – the rain water will be filtered to provide clean water to hydrate the public

TIME

• The bench can be used at all times, from winter where the bench will be heated to summer providing cold fresh water to users

DESIGN SOLUTION AS A WHOLE

DESIGN SOLUTION CONCLUSION

• Discomfort with bench - Heated seats

• Lack of drinking water - Public water fountain

• No social interaction - Music oriented game

• Safety and security - CCTV and SOS service

SOLUTIONPROBLEM

FUTURE SCOPE

• Expand public high street bench to other public spaces such as parks and bus stops

• Include another game

• NFC (near field communications)

Q & AIf you have any questions, please feel free to ask!