Module 1 Activity Research

Weekly Activity Template

Khant Nyar Lu

Project 1

Module 1

Throughout this module, through three weekly activities, I was introduced to the basics of Arduino, ProtoPie, TouchDesigner, microcontrollers, and sensors, and it was honestly really fun.

Activity 1

This is the first ever circuit I made, using pin 2 to light up the LED.

This is a simple circuit using wires and leds.

Here, we introduced a resistor into the circuit.

By modifying delays inside Arduino code, me and my friend was able to achieve this LED flickering.

Using a button, and holding it to turn light on and off.

Activity 2

Using the sensors we were able to see the various data inside the serial monitor.

Seeing the sensor's input inside protopie

Using the sensor's humidity data inside protopie.

An example shown in class using touch sensor and protopie.

Using makey-makey input and protopie for a simple interaction.

Activity 3

First look into TouchDesigner using the template provided.

Using the potentiometer to control the size of the circle using the template provided.

We also played around with the color of the circle.

Following the deconstruction of the nodes step by step. Here we were trying to get the input from the potentiometer using several nodes.

After following the step by step deconstruction of the nodes, successfully working animation

Research Activity

WGSN Consumer Trend Research

For the two WGSN consumer trends, I chose Tech Renaissance and Future Makers. (Touch the image for the full activity description.)

<p><b>Summary:</b><br>
The <b>Gadget Renaissance (subtle wearables, gesture-tracking, and invisible interfaces)</b> blends nostalgic aesthetics with modern technology, creating stylish, niche devices that are both functional and expressive. Moving beyond smartphones, consumers are embracing multiple connected gadgets with subtle interfaces and retro-inspired design.</p>

<p><b>What Makes This Category Unique:</b><br>
It is unique because it <b>revives nostalgic tech (Y2K, Tamagotchis, MP3 players, digital cameras)</b> and reimagines them with new functionality, connectivity, and fashion appeal. This balance of retro aesthetics and modern innovation allows users to merge self-expression with technology.</p>

<p><b>Example of a Product:</b><br>
The <b>TamaWatchi</b> by Emma Orhun, which houses an Apple Watch inside a deconstructed Tamagotchi shell, highlights how the Gadget Renaissance transforms nostalgic devices into modern wearable tech while preserving their playful identity.</p>

<p><b>Most Important Research Statistic:</b><br>
<b>IoT market growth projections:</b> US$947.50 billion by 2024, expected to reach <b>US$1,560 billion by 2029 (Statista)</b><br>
<br>
<b>Why it matters:</b> This shows the long-term strength of connected devices, proving that consumer appetite for gadgets is still growing. It shaped my choice because I’m personally a fan of retro-inspired aesthetics and enjoy collecting and using older tech like MP3 players and digital cameras , so seeing this nostalgia-modern mashup resonate with a booming market feels especially relevant to me.</p>
</div>

<p>
<b>What makes this category unique?</b><br>
The “Future Makers (open-source modular products & DIY communities)” category is unique because it blends creativity with open-source technology, allowing individuals to design products that reflect both function and personal identity.
Unlike mass-produced devices, these projects often prioritize customization, modularity, and aesthetics, making technology feel personal and expressive.
Communities of makers also share their processes online, which fuels collaboration and inspires others to experiment.
<br><br>

<b>Example of a product:</b><br>
An example is the personalized DJ controller built by Tigris Li (UK) using Arduino.
The device features chrome buttons and a bright pink acrylic casing, showing how makers can combine technical coding with playful, artistic design.
It highlights the uniqueness of this category that technology doesn’t just solve practical problems, it also becomes a creative outlet and a reflection of personality.
<br><br>

<b>Most important research statistic:</b><br>
The most important statistic is that the r/Arduino community has grown to 672K members, tripling since 2020.
This shows how rapidly the maker and DIY electronics community is expanding and how much interest there is in open-source hardware solutions.
<br><br>

<b>How this data affected my choice:</b><br>
This statistic influenced my choice because it highlights how active and collaborative the maker community is.
A large and fast-growing user base means there’s a strong culture of sharing projects, tutorials, and solutions, which makes it easier to innovate and learn.
Knowing that there’s such a supportive global community reassures me that “Future Makers” is a space with long-term growth, creativity, and opportunity for collaboration.
</p>

WGSN Personas Research

For the persona, I chose The New Independents and The Energisers. (Touch the image for the full activity description.)

<p>
<b>Persona Name:</b> The Energisers <br><br>

<b>Summary</b><br>
The Energisers believe that laughter, play, and joy are essential tools to counter stress, promote wellbeing, and strengthen community connections.
They see play not as frivolous but as fundamental to creativity, problem-solving, and social connectedness across all life stages.
<br><br>

<b>Generational Impacts</b><br>
Largest generational impact: Alphas, Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers (all generations). <br>
Regional strength: Strong in all regions globally.
<br><br>

<b>Behaviours:</b><br>
Play fosters problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration while reducing stress and loneliness.
Globally, 71% of children say play is important because it makes them happy (United Nations),
and social support is highest in East Asia and Western Europe (World Happiness Report 2024).
<br><br>

<b>Buying Priorities:</b><br>
Consumers want brands to spark joy and inspire creativity.
61% of global consumers want brands to make them feel intense emotions, while 49% are more likely to purchase from brands that offer a sense of joy (VML).
<br><br>

<b>Actions:</b><br>
Energisers embrace playful, joyful, and inclusive experiences across all ages and contexts.
For example, June 11th, 2024 was marked as the first International Day of Play (United Nations),
showing institutional recognition that play is vital for wellbeing and community building.
</p>

HMI Research

These are the HMI questions for each category. (Touch the image for the full activity description.)

<p>
<b></b> Tech Renaissance (subtle wearables, gesture-tracking, and invisible interfaces) <br><br>

<b>Two Problem Spaces:</b><br>
Many consumers want stylish, functional gadgets but find current devices bulky, visible, or too focused on screens rather than subtle interactions. <br>
<br>
Although IoT devices are growing rapidly, users often struggle to balance convenience with wellbeing, leading to concerns about tech overload and disconnection.
<br><br>

<b>HMW Statements:</b><br>
How might we design wearables and gadgets that blend seamlessly into fashion and lifestyle while still delivering smart, connected functionality? <br>
<br>
How might we make wearable gadgets more accessible and appealing so that they become everyday essentials rather than niche tech accessories?
</p>

<a href='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Fx9zQJe3H4?start=3' target='_blank'>
<p>Project Video Link</p>
</a><p>
<b></b> Future Makers (open-source modular products & DIY communities) <br><br>

<b>Two Problem Spaces:</b><br>
Many people are interested in experimenting with electronics, but they find existing devices too expensive or hard to customize. <br>
<br>
Beginners often struggle with the lack of accessible, easy-to-follow tutorials to help them learn coding and electronics.
<br><br>

<b>HMW/HMI Statements:</b><br>
How might we make modular open-source products more beginner-friendly so that people with little technical background can still create and innovate? <br>
<br>
How might we foster stronger collaborative platforms where makers can easily share, remix, and improve each other’s open-source projects?
</p>

Project Path

These are two possible project path for each category. (Touch the image for the full activity description.)

<p>
<b>Category 1:</b> Tech Renaissance <br><br>

<b>Art or Design Path:</b><br>
I’m following an Art Path. I want to create a wearable that serves a basic function really well but also carries a retro aesthetic.
Since I’m a big fan of this style myself, I feel motivated to explore this direction.
<br><br>

<b>Individually or Collaboratively:</b><br>
I prefer working individually because I want to design something personal that reflects my own vision and aesthetic choices.
<br><br>

<b>Two Possible Project Directions:</b><br>
A 3D-printed wearable “Tamagotchi” case for an Apple Watch, blending nostalgic design with modern functionality. <br>
<br>
A retro-inspired digital pendant or keychain that displays simple visuals (like pixel art or reminders), combining style with small, purposeful tech.
</p>

<p>
<b>Category 2:</b> Future Makers (Arduino & DIY Communities) <br><br>

<b>Art or Design Path:</b><br>
I’m also choosing an Art Path here. As a music producer, I’m naturally drawn to audio-reactive visuals and experimental audio equipment, so I want to explore this side of making.
<br><br>

<b>Individually or Collaboratively:</b><br>
Again, I’d like to work individually so I can focus on projects that connect directly to my creative practice.
<br><br>

<b>Two Possible Project Directions:</b><br>
Using Arduino, build a custom MIDI controller that I can link to TouchDesigner to control visuals or music from a synthesizer or both. <br>
<br>
Create a physical audio-reactive visual piece using Arduino with LEDs or a projector, turning sound into dynamic light and form.
</p>

Project 1 Concept

For my project, I’m leaning toward creating a MIDI controller with buttons and switches that use Arduino to trigger keypresses and send MIDI input to software like TouchDesigner and Ableton Live. This would allow me to control or trigger various parameters inside those programs in real time. There are plenty of tutorials online that I can learn from, which makes this idea both achievable and exciting. What I find most creative about this concept is that, unlike my other idea which was based on an existing design, this one gives me much more freedom for experimentation. I can design both the functionality and appearance of the controller myself. I’m passionate about pursuing this direction because it perfectly combines my love for music production, interaction design, and hands-on making.

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