From Projector

The entire design process has gone through four iterations. Initially, we used a projector, because we hope players can do housework in a free environment. We tried to make the projector with cardboard and magnifying glass, but we found that it has many limitations.

When we project the picture on the wall at a close distance, the picture is clear enough for users to use.

When the projector is far away from the wall, the picture will be blurred.

Moreover, when the light becomes strong, the picture nearly cannot show on the wall and the game can not run.

In the second iteration, we chose AR because it is more portable and not affected by light. However, we found during the test that the target image is easily lost. Repeated scanning of the target image greatly affects the game experience and will not play a role in assisting housework.

In the third iteration, we re-selected the projector, hoping that it can overcome the previous shortcomings. This time we optimized the lens and projector box and combined it with arduino's radar module. But we are not sure whether to install it on the tool or on the wall. The arduino must be connected by wire, so if it is installed on the tool, it will hinder the housework; if it is installed on the wall, the scope of the housework will become very limited. So we gave up this plan finally.

We spent some time observing the methods of mopping that users often use, and found that the way of mopping the ground is easier for players to interact with, because its swing amplitude is easier to control and the values ​​are easier to read.

In addition, we can let the player wipe the ground hard through the settings of the game to achieve the purpose of assisting with housework. Therefore, in the fourth iteration, we used a combination of accelerator and AR glasses.

Interface

In the initial version, we did not fully consider the characteristics of the AR game and almost completely follow the direction of mobile games. When testing this version, we found that the interaction was so complicated that players couldn't quickly obtain the desired information in the game. For example, in this version, we enter the main menu through the trophy icon on the home page.

At first, we wanted to realize this menu by making multiple virtual buttons on an interface, but in the actual production, we found that multiple keys will greatly affect the sensitivity of the virtual buttons. It’s much worse than a single button. Because multiple keys can easily cause false touches, this makes it difficult for users to reach the submenu they want to enter.

Therefore, in the second edition, we let users enter the submenu with only one virtual key at one time. However, after a user test, they report that it is boring to operate with only one button in a single scene. Therefore, we decided to use multiple scenes for image recognition and build a collecting system. Users can discover the elements of the game by trying to approach multiple objects, which also makes the game more exploratory.

To be specific, during the game, when they scan the calendar, the checked sub-menu will pop up. When they press the virtual button, the check-in action will be performed, and then a check-in reward will pop up from a gift box.

However, when the user test is conducted again, the user feedback exploration method is a bit complicated and space safety needs to be considered when exploring. Therefore, we only retained three main aspects of the main interface: rank, start game, and collection. Only two items are reserved for exploration, and they can be viewed through the collection so that both exploration and safety can be considered.

Collection and Rank

The rank interface has always existed as an incentive for players to generate contivation motivation. At first, I scanned the cup to find this interface, but in order to let users find the information needed faster, I set it to only need to look at other players to display rankings and points. Since the rank system and the play game are not a scene, there will be no interference with normal games.

Collection

Because the content of the first version of the interface is too complicated, we integrated the store, achievements, and check-in systems to form a collection system. It is hidden in all daily necessities, and users need to explore these items. But because there are too many items, it puts a burden on the user's memory.

So I finally displayed all the patterns of all the items and provided access to them. In order to facilitate the operation of players, the content of the main interface is also separated from this system.

Game Mode

In the original version there was only pvp mode. Since the game may end too fast, it may affect the player's continuous motivation, so I have to take other methods to make up.

Therefore, I focus on how to provide people with better games experience in this kind of mentality. To achieve this, I set up the collection system and the PvE mode.

PvE mode pays more attention to cooperation, which is conducive to promoting communication between family members. Games with communication can be played more continuously, players encourage each other, and the motivation will be more sufficient.

The way the game begins and ends has changed. The start methond is changed from the initial pose to pressing the virtual button; the method of ending game is still by recognizing the action, but it changed from recognizing a single action to recognizing the movement of the mop.

User Research

We have completed three user research. For the first time, it was about people's attitudes to household chores and their motivation. This research contains two probes, two interviews,and a questionnaire. In the second user study, we tested the first version of the AR prototype. My third user research is about the continuous motivation of users. This time the target is two single people. I let them record the time of daily housework in the form of a probe for two weeks.

The figure below is the interview and questionnaire in the first user research.

Feedback

Some classmates remind me that if I considered the safety of each space. In addition to the kitchen, other spaces may also have some valuable and fragile items. It's a challenge to explore the whole room with AR glasses.

In addition, the use method is a little complicated. Firstly, I plan to reduce the number of items that need to be explored and remove some objects that are easy to move or sharp.. Secondly, I list all the items that need to be explored in the collection, and players can find the corresponding acquisition methods by touching them.

Thirdly, I simplified the rank system, players no longer need to scan through the items to view the leaderboard, just scan the other player's face. By simplifying and integrating game elements, the product could be easier for users to learn.

Some students worry whether using games to do housework will affect the quality of housework. This is a very reasonable consideration. In our concept, our game should be helpful for housework. We let players use the mop to do housework, because in the game players need to shake the mop quickly to hit the ball, which will help clean the ground with more stains.