For this project I am working in a group with fellow students Simon Smith and Harry Crawford.
The group blog address is http://pdtjhs.wordpress.com/
The group blog address is http://pdtjhs.wordpress.com/
Different
types of exercise require different environments in order for the participant
to be comfortable and therefore perform to the best of their ability. For
example, vigorous exercise such as aerobics will benefit from a low temperature
environment as it will combat the large amount of body heat generated from
participants. This will allow them to perform for long periods of time without
over-heating. Motivation may also be improved by the presence of fast paced,
upbeat music which will encourage participants to exercise to their limits. On
the other hand, activities such as yoga will benefit from a slightly warmer
temperature as the movements involved are much slower and so do not generate as
much body heat. Slower tempo music will also help to provide a relaxing but
focused atmosphere.
At present,
there is no quick and easy way to control the parameters of a room from a
central point; instead the user would have to set up each one individually. The
solution to this problem is to create a central system that is controlled by an
intuitive Tangible User Interface. This will allow the tuning of all room
parameters to the user’s needs simply by moving an object in a certain way.
The aim of
this project is therefore to design and create a working prototype of a
Tangible User Interface in order to control the environment of an exercise
room. The device must be able to be interacted with intuitively through the use
of affordances and commonly known gestures. The method of changing the
parameters must be logical and relatable to the objective as well as being
quick and easy to perform. Physical feedback should be provided in order to
inform the user of the changes they have made to the output.
