Applications and Implications
1.1 Assignments of the Week
1.2 Develop a Project Plan by Answering Questions Below
1.What will it do?
This is a weather-themed pointer designed to add a bit of surprise and joy to daily life with an engaging weather display. Although weather is an "invisible influencer" we can't control, this device brings it to life in a fun way. I visualize the weather by connecting to Wi-Fi and obtaining local weather data. When the weather changes, a weather indicator will climb up like a ladybug, making each day more interesting. It will make us subconsciously wonder: what will tomorrow's weather be like?
2.Who has done something similar before?
I researched some weather-related devices and found many interesting examples, such as interactive ones using magnets, weather prediction via the internet, etc. Below, I will analyze a few examples:
For instance, there is a weather display that uses organic glass wheels. The wheels move when the weather changes. This idea I have had before, but it is similar to the early education handcraft presentation methods that involve rotating wheels. However, this piece has artistic mechanical movement, and the lighting adds a wonderful atmosphere. It is very practical, but for me, it lacks an emotional connection.
Another is a manual magnet-based weather pointer. A black magnetic block is placed on the corresponding weather symbols, and a screen displays the current temperature and humidity, while the servo motor turns to the corresponding position. It is very interactive but lacks continuous changes.
A weather display using carved patterns and light projection creates unique visual effects, combining art with technology. I love its quiet expression; it’s so attractive just by sitting there, but it may be easily ignored by those who are not sensitive to such things.
A nightlight and alarm clock that dynamically portrays weather forecasts, with thunder for rain, simulated lighting for sunny weather, etc., while updating weather data every hour. It also uses body sensing and motion recognition. To me, this is quite complex.
After looking at many examples, I decided to go with my initial idea: the weather pointer. The reasons for this are:
Emotion and Entertainment: Compared to other projects, the pointer stimulates users' curiosity and expectation through dynamic changes, connecting weather with emotions. Each weather change brings freshness and fun, avoiding cold data display.
Simplicity and Creativity: The weather pointer has a simple design, showing weather changes with a ladybug visual effect, avoiding overly complex systems or hardware requirements. This allows users to intuitively feel the weather change without overcomplicating the device.
High Interactivity:Unlike other works that simply show weather, the pointer turns weather changes into an "emotionally tangible" experience. Users see different weather effects every day, creating interaction feedback and a sense of anticipation.
3.What will you design?
The overall appearance will be similar to a picture frame, visible from a bird’s-eye view.
3D Modeling and Printing: I will 3D print six main daily weather icons to be used with motors.
2D Design and Laser Cutting: The main body will have a wave shape with some fun weather icons and names visible at a glance. The back will have the mechanical transmission design for the motors, which will be laser cut and assembled.
Circuit: I will design a cloud-shaped PCB for networking and driving the motors.
4.What materials and parts will you use?
| Materials |
quantity |
cost(RMB) |
| 40x60mm Basswood |
1 |
23 |
| 3D Printing Filament |
1 |
10 |
| FR1 Copper Clad PCB*1 |
1 |
3.8 |
| ESP32*1 |
1 |
20.99 |
| DRV8833 Motor Driver Board*3 |
3 |
17.94 |
| GA12-N20 Gear Motors*6 |
6 |
47.94 |
| Single Row Female Header Pins*2 |
2 |
0.5 |
| Silicone Wires*1 |
1 |
3 |
5.Where will you get them from?
Taobao and our lab.
6.How much will they cost?
The total estimated cost for the materials is around 127 (could be a bit less).
7.What parts and systems will you fabricate?
Appearance Design and Rear Mechanical Transmission: Laser cutting.
Weather Icons: Rhino modeling and 3D printing.
PCB Design: EDA and Roland milling.
8.What processes will you use?
2D design and laser cutting.
3D modeling and 3D printing.
PCB design and milling.
Input-output testing.
Assembly and further testing.
9.What questions need to be answered?
Is the weather prediction accurate?
Is the motor rotation thread correct?
10.How will it be evaluated?
The effectiveness of the interactive pointer will be evaluated from the following perspectives:
User Experience:Observe the frequency of use after the user has placed it at home for some time. Find out if users check the weather pointer every day and gather their feedback, especially whether it reduces the frequency of checking the phone.
Emotional Impact: Ask users about their emotional changes after using the pointer for some time. Observe if they develop a sense of anticipation due to the pointer's changes, such as interest in different weather effects and joy when they see the weather update every morning.
Ease of Use and Practicality:Evaluate the device's simplicity and durability. Ask users if they find it easy to maintain and set up the pointer, and whether it can run steadily over time and show weather changes.
Visual Appeal: Observe whether it integrates into the home environment or becomes a decorative piece. Confirm if the device can attract attention and naturally make users notice the weather change.
Data Comparison: Record and compare users' attention to weather changes and emotional reactions before and after using the pointer to determine its positive impact on daily experiences.