Nelson
Notes
Nelson Notes is a pair of devices that enable two people from different locations in the world to stay connected and engaged during the isolated and socially-distanced time.
IoT
Playable Interface
Arduino
Project Type
Team Project (Me & My Partner)
Timeline
5 Weeks
My Responsibilities
Experience Design, Programming, Hardware
Tools
Python, Arduino
01 Overview
The devices are designed in a way to be placed on a person’s desk, near their computer, so that the proximity sensor can detect when someone is at their desk working. A presence light is triggered by the proximity sensor to indicate that the other person is at their desk so that each person feels that they are not alone as they work. Also, the light signals to each person that they might be available to engage in an interactive game while on a break.
02 Research
Companionship
During research, we found that online study groups, beyond active assistance, served as a key form of companionship that people have been seeking out during these unprecedented times. Even in cases when participants do not directly see or engage with each other during these study sessions, participants still feel emotionally comforted and connected.
Design Motivation
For people who stay at home, work from home, maintain remote relationships:
Overcome a feeling of isolation, loneliness, and stress.
Help in maintaining remote relationships in a fun way.
03 Ideation
Companionship
We then started generating ideas for the device to provide companionship to each other, making it playful as well.
04 Concept
A Pattern Game
Designed two devices that connect two people, allowing them to engage in a game. One user creates a pattern using four input buttons, and the other user mimics the pattern using the four buttons on their own device.
The Interface
Below are the positions of the proximity sensors, LEDs, and buttons with which the user will interact.
Light Bulb
To building the connection, we use the light as a metaphor to indicate whether someone is present or not.
When the other person is not at their desk/in front of their device, the presence light is off.
When the other person is at their desk/in front of their device, the presence light is on.
Pattern Game
A pattern game that both users play together. One user creates the pattern, and the other user remembers and reproduces the pattern.
05 Prototype
Hardware
Code
IoT Cloud
06 Other Ideas
Poppy & Olive
