Based on one of our team member’s idea, we decided to make an interactive exercise platform. The vibration sensor and projector would be installed inside the table. It can generate different vibration frequencies according to different movement modes. Next, the music and images will also present according to the vibration frequency.
To let everyone better understand our idea, we shot a video to explain it. In the video, we used bodystorming to demonstrate how to use Fitlody.
We read classmates' feedbacks about our idea. At the same time, we also searched for some literature to gain a deeper understanding of our research projects. Based on feedback and literature, we have changed some of the interactive functions of the device, allowing users to freely choose sports modes and music effects, and draw persona and storyboard.
To better understand how people exercise at home during the ban, I designed a survey. In this survey, I asked people in detail about the ways and types of people exercising at home. I found that more than half of the users choose to use visual images for physical exercise at home. In addition, I started using Unity to make dynamic patterns. Unfortunately, this attempt was unsuccessful. Although I drew the patterns, I did not find a way to control them.
In the first prototype, instead of using Unity, I chose LED strips as visual images. When the user put pressure on the canvas, the LED light strip will light up according to the data from pressure sensor. Based on this prototype, I did a user test. Four testers tried my prototype, and I did an interview for each of them. Some insights are as follow:
1. Users believe that the canvas is too soft, so the support under the canvas making their hands uncomfortable.
2. The interaction way of this prototype is too simple. More functions should be added in it. Such as vibration feedback and a level system.
3. More solid material should be applied in this prototype. Because the Canvas cannot hold the weight of an adult.
We went to Bunnings to buy the materials for our final product. Firstly, we bought a 600 x 1200 x 3mm Clear PVC Handisheet as a panel and some 600mm shelf supports for our project. After trying to fix our materials together, we found there were some problems. The PVC board was too fragile to support an adult exercising on it. However, we only bought 4 supports and it was difficult to meet both practicality and aesthetics. However, if we buy more supports, there was not enough space for the sensors and the LED strips under the board. As a result, we bought a Wii fit board to find another solution.
According to the appraisal in last prototype, my classmates thought we should add Unity part in our project. Otherwise, if there were only LED strips, the visual part of this project would be too simple. Users need more complex visual interaction effect. Based on their suggestions, I re-drawn the dynamic pattern in Unity. The parameters of the pattern can be changed arbitrarily. After connecting with Arduino, the pattern will change according to the change of pressure.
I connected the Unity and Arduino together. Also, I rewrote the code so that the LED strip can also be added to the entire device and controlled by the pressure sensor. We put all the work together and tested it. Fortunately, Fitlody was finally completed.
After the project was completed, we conducted a simple test on the project and got final feedback.
