Lab+7

Physical Computing, Tangible Bits, and Different Prototype Methods for Authoring Devices
Physical computing is the process of building interactive systems by the use of software and hardware that can sense and respond to the physical world. It is the ability to create a relationship between the digital world and the analog world. This approach allows humans to interact physically in the analog world using digital software and hardware. It helps individuals create a connection between the physical world and the virtual world.
 * __Question 1__ **

Physical computing broadens the way we use computers using our conscious minds and physical bodies by decreasing limitations. Today’s computer design such as its software and hardware is limited to a few elements, the keyboard, screen, speakers and mouse. Physical computing extends these limits by introducing the human body as an extension of the computers software and hardware. Therefore, the design is constructed according to the limits of the human body and its expression.

Current computer design relies on many forms of input. However, unlike current computers, physical computing relies on humans for input. It aims to develop computing that involves more than just using your fingers, and extend it to using the whole body with the ability to sense physical information.

Interaction during physical computing includes three parts: input, output and processing. Input depends on humans and is the easiest part. Since it involves the user expressing themselves without the constraints of a screen, keyboard or mouse. Output requires electrical and mechanical processes to convert the energy into a light, sound or movement. The processing part deals with programming and the ability for he computer to read the input and activate the output.  a) //d.tools: Reflective Physical Prototyping //is based on 3 phases: designing, testing and analyzing. The design phase involves the designer actually designing an idea by creating a blueprint. The designer uses physical components and attaches their virtual counterparts in order to create interactions. These interactions are then activated using visual states, allowing output and links transitions. Virtual transitions are censored using demonstration in physical space. The test mode is the user interaction phase, where an individual actually interacts with the prototype. The designer uses this phase to view the transitions that the user is manipulating use computer software. The analyze mode is the last phase and allows the designer to see an overview of the interaction model during the test phase. This is a comparative evaluation allowing to pinpoint and analyze particular interactions. This type of prototype is completely based on the idea of users interacting with a physical product by manipulating it.
 * __Question 2__ **

This type of prototyping method enables designers to bring to life imaginal ideas. By going through each phase designers can test and evaluate their products to fulfill thorough research and development. It enables just an idea to be physically demonstrated in order to prove its eligibility as a necessity to the digital-user world.

b) //Exemplar: Authoring Sensor-based Interactions by Demonstration// is based on programming by demonstration. This type of prototyping allows designers to develop products based completely on sensor based interaction. The Wii is an example of this type of technology. This type of prototyping deals with different types of designs and focuses completely on the movement of the user’s body in order to interact with the technology. So, unlike physical prototyping, sensor-based prototyping is based on a product that is used by activating sensors using the physical body.

This type of prototyping enables designers to design for universal access. This type of prototyping allows designers to develop technologies that are accessible to everyone. This approach is so broad that it can encompass minimal body movement or maximal body limits specific to the use of the product, and the use of the product to the specified user.